Wednesday, 20 August 2014

Amsterdam Gay Pride 2014: Gay Acceptance In Action





I have just spent a weekend in Amsterdam, a city that must be one of the most liberal, but also one of the most accepting towards sexual differences.

It was Amsterdam Pride (August 2nd, 2014), that is, a weekend where gay men and women celebrate being who they are. They are out and proud – and they are in party mode. All the sex clubs and bars (and there are many), hold special events for their particular aficionados (like nude nights, leather parties, water sports, etc). There are huge music events in various public places and there is the canal parade where some 80 boats filled with celebrating gay men and women are watched by crowds estimated at over 350,000 gays from all over the world, but also by straight men and women and their families.


This is party time for the whole city. It is well known that gays know how to present the best parties and everyone watching that riot of colour on the canals also enjoyed themselves.

For men who weren’t out sexually, they could see what the gay life could offer them. Parents of gay children could see the happiness that their child’s lifestyle exuded. It needn’t be the lifestyle of fear, loneliness or isolation. Children watching would have left with a sense that to have same sex attracted friends could be an entrĂ©e into a fun world of music and partying.

 

Canal parade participants included the police and fire departments who by their presence made the statement that gay men are everywhere and are just as capable in all professions as men who identify as straight.

As I stood amongst the crowd I felt totally at ease with my sexuality. Even though I identified with the sexuality of the parade performers, it wasn’t about sex or gender or pride – it was about acceptance as human beings.

I was in a happy place where I was surrounded by laughing, singing, whooping, adoring and applauding individuals. We all enjoyed the party music. When prompted by the floats we shared sympathy for our brothers and sisters who were being persecuted because of their sexuality in countries where religions deny the basics humanity and dignity. We enjoyed the party atmosphere.

And no one cared about your sexuality!



Acceptance is bigger than sexuality. Acceptance comes freely and without conditions. There’s no test to pass. No dress code. No age requirement. It’s about unconditional love.

True, Pride events around the world are not always as large or as accepting as Amsterdam (or New York or San Francisco) but if you want to know what it could feel like to be a gay man in a gay world, then these weekends could help you in your own journey to sexual acceptance. Try to attend a Pride Parade as an observer and you’ll be amazed at the diversity of men and their sexual interests.

Here's a link to the world's Pride parades: www.interpride.org/



 I found Amsterdam Pride enjoyable, accepting, and above all, empowering. Just for a few hours I knew what it felt like to be unconditionally accepted for who I am - not because I’m a curiosity for being a gay man – but because I’m a unique, fellow human being who also likes a good party and a canal parade. My trait of liking to share sexual interests with another man meant little.

However briefly, may you also in some way, experience that empowerment and acceptance in your own life? It’s like being reborn into a world of possibility!
All photos on this blog are copyright Peter Benn




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