What is the best way forward? There seems to be tendency over time for Gay Pride Events to drop the word gay from their titles. It is a little unclear why. Some say it is to make the whole event more a community one and others say that it is because some people feel uncomfortable with the word gay being used. Now I have heard lesbians object to gay men muscling in on the activities and edging every one else out. Maybe. I have met many men who only have sex with men telling me they do not like the political edge at gay pride events. This usually leads to a stand off when they do not do politics. I find this odd because the very people who want politics kept out of our leadership's agenda are willing to accept the benefits of the political struggles (and some of them are real struggles) made by other lesbian and gay people.
Same sex sex would still be illegal but for the work of activists- lesbian gay and otherwise - over many years. We would not have civil partnerships even less same sex marriage nor the gender recognition act nor equalities protection. The price of our freedoms has required much effort and continues to need constant vigilance. There are many sinister forces, well funded, often behind the front of nicely nicely wholesome religious names - The XXXXX Institute, The campaign for xxxxxx, The XXXXXlegal centre. I could go on. Many of them have no doubt a gay pride event is not a good idea and they would be banned if the holders of these views had power. Remember Geneva in the 16th century. Or Iran now. Or Jamaica now.
Being gay or lesbian or transgender is being political. Those who deny this are living in cloud cuckoo land and resting on the laurels of the hard work of gay and lesbian so-called activists.
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