Recently I saw some online commentary referring to our presence at this year’s Pride as a freak show and a threat to children. I have a problem with this.
We marched proudly as our authentic selves, and for many of us, that pride was earned through a tough journey of self acceptance and an earned identity. As fetish folk, we bring sparkle and shine wherever we go and we’re the antidote to shame. I have no shame, and that has made me a better person than I could have imagined, but it took the courage of those who stepped forward to inspire that from me.
We must not tolerate being diminished or excluded by others. Not by the general public, not by sneering acceptable gays, and certainly not from those who want to put us in a box labelled damaged goods. It’s so important for us to celebrate all who put themselves out there and to represent those who are afraid to speak up or who are unable to participate in Pride. We're serving up something special. If you don't like it, there's a whole city of other things happening for you to go to.
And regarding children? If you’re afraid of your children being exposed to zoophilia and men in skin tight gear, you had better start by banning Paw Patrol and X-Men, because they’re staring younger than you might think. It's more likely your kids are getting poisoned by your own sense of shame and guilt.