4 Ridiculous Excuses You Should Never Use To Avoid Pride

Going to Pride isn’t about fruity luminous cocktails and dancing until dawn in feathery outfits. Well, OK, it sort of is, but it’s so much more than that.

Pride is about standing up and joining your community in celebrating your sexuality and strengthening the equality movement. But for some reason we’re seeing many LGBT members turning up their noses up at the tradition. Why?

Here are the worst excuses I’ve heard for not going to Pride. In order of ridiculousness.

1. “It’s too in your face and not what I’m about.”

Yes, we’re fabulous. Come join us, won’t you?

Agreed, Pride has become a bit of a glittery fun-fest, but if that’s not your thing, it doesn’t excuse you from attending a Pride parade. If you’re not in to the midnight madness and neon joy, then find a more family friendly or daytime event. Don’t stay home just because it’s a bit much. That’s sort of the point. We’re here, we’re queer and here's some glitter.

2. “I don’t define myself by my sexuality. They don’t have 'straight pride' do they?!”

We are a minority but we’re getting stronger. It’s important for us to show solidarity and support for a community that you are a part of, even if you aren’t a die-hard activist. For the teens nationwide who may see your smiling face and be inspired to come out. Take their place, attend on their behalf. Because they can’t.

3. “My ex may be there”

Good for her. She sounds far more fun than you anyways.

4. “I don’t like lesbians”

A lesbian said this to me once. And after I picked myself off the floor from laughing, I realized she meant in massive numbers. When us lady-loving-ladies get in a group there can be cattiness and drama, granted, but for the sake of Pride it’s usually all put to one side.

It’s not like we all have to stand in our teams anyway. Take some allies along if you don’t want to hang out with us. But personally, if there’s going to be a gathering of gay girls, you’ll find me front and center.

So if you just go for an hour, or even put together your own Pride event, make sure you do something this Pride season to support the cause. It’s what we’re all about.

About the Author: E J Rosetta is an LGBT Columnist and coffee addict living in Hampshire with her spoiled cat, Hendricks. More ramblings can be found on Facebook or via Twitter @EJRosetta