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The Power of Youth Pride
The Power of Youth
Pride
by Lauren Parker
Imagine
a herd of queer youth and their allies marching through Burlington, chanting
gay-friendly slogans at the top of their lungs and waving huge rainbow
flags. This is Youth Pride and it happens every year, thanks to Outright
Vermont.
I came out at Youth Pride last year. The
week before, I had casually brought up the idea of going to Outright to
my parents, saying that I was going to "learn how to be an activist."
"Isn't that the place for kids
who are coming out?" was my mother's response.
I could feel my face getting red. "Yes
..."
The night before that Youth Pride I was
so nervous and excited that I could hardly sleep. When I finally made
it to Burlington, my excitement had overcome my fear and I was chanting
with the rest of them. I was acutely aware that someone I knew was probably
watching, but I told myself I was tired of hiding and continued to march.
This year was much easier. I got a good
night's sleep and rode down on the back of my dad's motorcycle, deciding
that and my rainbow apparel were a good way to announce that a dyke was
entering the premises. I hopped off the bike as soon as I saw the rainbow
flags flying on the steps of City Hall. I could feel the excitement in
the crowd of youth and adults waiting for the speakout to start.
I always enjoy pride speakouts because everyone
who stands in front of a city and a crowd of her peers to talk about her
sexuality has guts. People I never expected to get up and speak did, and
I was glad for that because they were so honest. Nothing was hidden or
censored to be politically correct - it was all real.
The stories that people have about coming
out, being trans, homophobia in schools, having gay children, and everything
else need to be heard. I found myself wishing that people I knew had prejudices
were there, so that they could see the human side of GLBT issues instead
of reverting to the "us and them" dehumanization that so often
occurs. I truly believe that the speakout placed a thoughtful seed in
the minds of any homophobic passersby.
After stories were told and a song was sung
("...we are queer and straight together and we’re singing,
singing for our lives..."), it was time to lighten our hearts with
a little march. Although there are some doubts in my mind about the effects
of a march (the old "us and them" mentality again), I always
enjoy doing it. I find the whole process powerful - the flags waving,
the power of all of our voices ringing through the streets in chants,
the size of our group, and the support of spectators in the forms of chanting
along, blowing car horns, waving, and just quietly observing. I love being
able to announce my community and myself to the world without fear. The
march gives courage to GLBT people and reassures those on the sidelines
that whatever their sexuality is is okay.
The rest of the day passed well with plenty
of workshops to go to, movies to watch, and shopping to do. The day finished
off with a drag show and prom, which was the perfect end to a great celebration
of youth. We really are here, queer, and fabulous.
Lauren Parker is a student at Champlain Valley Union.