Friday, June 26, 2009

Chicago Pride!

This weekend is one of my favorite summer events - the PRIDE PARADE! There are events going on all weekend and the official Pride Parade starts this Sunday at noon. Will you be there?

While in a lot of ways the pride parade is about getting some sun and having fun, its largely about showing solidarity with individuals who have been persecuted for their sexual identity and/or orientation. And for me, this is something that is very important. I believe that all people, no matter whom they love or how their gender identity does (or does not) correspond to their physical sex, should have equal rights. And this includes the right to marriage and all of the legal benefits that come with it. To me, the idea that a marriage should only be between a man and a woman is as misguided and arcane as the idea that marriage should only be between those of the same ethnicity or religion.

As an interfaith and interracial couple, I believe it is important for me (and hopefully Neill) to stand in alliance with those are not yet able to legally wed. Now this isn't something I've broached with Neill yet, but I would really like to incorporate this view point into our wedding ceremony. We are lucky that in this day and age we are able to marry, for in the past our relationship and marriage would not have this legal validation. And to enjoy these advances in social and legal equality without acknowledging the people in our society who have yet to gain this freedom, well . . . that just isn't something I want to do.

This isn't a full fledged idea yet and so in the future I hope to share with you a more fleshed out plan, but I wanted to share it with you in honor of pride week. Any ideas would of course be appreciated :)

2 comments:

  1. what a beautiful idea to incorporate some sort of recognition of our past and our present. I will meditate about it and try to think of something.

    God, I also wish I was going to be in Chicago to go the parade. I had so much fun last year. I went with Sean Kraus and K Cole. It was fun. I am going to try to convince Scotty that we need to travel down to San Francisco on Sunday for the SF Parade. I mean come on, how can you pass up the celebration in the home of the Revolution?

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  2. that is a really awesome idea, for sure. I agree fully with everything you said because I just think it is just ridiculous. How can you deny someone the legal right of love?

    If i come up with anything, I'll let you know.

    Also, I think Tully and I are gonna go to pride. Soooooooooooooo. We should go.

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Thanks for taking the time to share your thoughts. Every comment brings a smile to my face!