Here I sit searching my noggin for ‘Best Pride Memory’, ‘Favourite Pride Moment’, and oh so much is flashing through my mind from twenty years of celebrating Pride in Toronto, flashing like lights hitting disco balls at massive Pride parties, or smiles across a million faces when Pride Week takes over our city every year.
In other words, it’s Sophie’s Choice trying to pick just one somethin’.
Never mind, because what hits me is now that my favourite Pride memories actually have to be those I have amassed this year – even though 2010’s Pride is still almost a month away.
Some don’t like that we’ve entered uncharted waters, off course from the ideal Pride so many hold in their minds. Some find it exhilarating. Me, I observe it all unfolding and appreciate it: the turmoil, the politics, the theatrics, the displays, the challenges, the conflict, the division, the uncertainty, the dialogue and the debate.
This contrast is the launching pad for myriad benefits for us all: new ideas, better ways, activists now better activists, causes further fueled, people behind Pride Toronto better at what they do.
Passionate community shake-up was the genesis of this city’s Pride 30 years ago, and look how each of us over three decades has benefited from that. Future queer generations will also benefit – mightily – as a result of the strife we have been experiencing, and they’ll be proud it happened.
Only I’m proud now. This is my best Pride memory: Now.
Peace and love and Happy Pride.