I had no idea what to expect going into this event but I knew that without a doubt it would be fab-u-lous! I picked up a side job working this event as a cashier for the Gyro booth, I met and worked with some kick-ass people and found that Seattle Gays tip pretty damn well (thank you!)
I missed the parade itself which started at Westlake Park and traveled 4th Ave. to Pride Fest at the Seattle Center, however; as the crowd from the parade bombarded our stand located right by the fountain, I saw things that I could have NEVER imagined things that I literally cannot put into words.... What I can say is that I quickly found that this gay pride event wasn't just a celebration of gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender identities -- it was also a place to sport amazing costumes. From the 6'6 Drag queen dressed from head to toe in tight red leather, the dramatically painted faces and large large colorful hair, the cirque du Soleil style costumes, rainbow colored peacock feathers, platform shoes.... to females wearing nothing but a bandanna and two stickers along with men wearing nothing but leather jockstraps... then there were the naked people dancing in the Seattle Center fountain or just walking around... I can honestly say that I can see why some people form opinions without delving any deeper.
However; as for myself, I always want to know the how's and whys and so I talk to people and I ask questions and what I learned is that this community likes to have a good time and they LOVE to put on a show, and my favorite part is that they don't give a rat's ass what anyone else thinks of it! This was an amazing bunch of people brought together by an event that falls every year around the last weekend in June to commemorate New York City's Stonewall Riots, which broke out after police raided a gay bar on June 28, 1969 -- an event often considered the start of the gay rights movement. I learned that at least the gays that I met were good people, and even if I don't work at the parade next year, I will definitely be attending just for fun!
I wish I could tell you more about the Festival itself however; I was working and therefore didn't get to check everything out.
Oh, and for my asshole friends... no, I'm not turning lesbian.
Oh please - we already know you've gone to the other side with your sister :P
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