I agree with you up to a point, but in my opinion it does not hurt to become very visible once a year. What I object to is the commercialism of the festivals round the world those last few years. Probably more so in the states then elsewhere, I had some great times in SF and NY in the 80's and 90's, but was very disappointed in NY 2 years ago. Here in OZ pride marches still have a certain spark and remind the general population that we are here to stay and won't take any bullshit anymore. This is especially important with the resurgence of the religious right.

is this because my picture was in the paper again?lol
well at least i know why i didn't see YOU there this year...Lucian... i know DC is tired but....
gay pride festivil is about the only time i see a LOT of people, i might not otherwise see, like you...and I made some nice connections this year especially. during pride events thanks.... makes me feel less alone in this dirty little city... so yes there is a need, lets not forget, not everyone is out yet!... and more will follow... soon.... for those who came before and those to follow if not for ourselves...you don't have to dress up and scream or carry a banner or anything . we know you are queer, or are you afraid someone will see you?
come on...it has place and purpose to be visible and out! .....don't make me preach...

BTW: check in....are you getting TOQS? (-jaded synical outlook , sour disposition, like it has all been done already?)

Tired Old Queen Syndrome?

sorry sounds like you got it sweetie....don't worry, i'm going to staet a non profit - because so many suffer far beyond just those afficted... a cure is possible ! you are NOT alone....just keep breathing...its OK.

Depends on where you are. If you're in SF or NYC, then, yes, it's ridiculously obsolete. If you're in Moscow or Jerusalem, under seige by state and fanatics, then no, totally not obsolete.

Hey folks I'm new to the tribe,

I think Pride Parades are important as a matter of normalization. Now that's not to say that we should appear normal, IE strait so much as to put queerness into society. One of the most self defeating things society does is to try and censer what it doesn't like. Every time they use some kind of gay slur it gets stuck a little deeper in their active vocabulary.

It's easy to forget that for every one of us who's got a boyfriend and it's no big thing, there's plenty of people out there who live in terror at someone finding out they have "different" urges. Hell, there's people that die because they are suspected of being queer on a weekly basis in Texas alone. I have to admit that I've not been part of any local pride events in a really long time, but I can still remember breaking down in sobs the first time I saw one.

Mudd