Gay prides doesn`t lead towards more tolerant society

Thanks, Pro, for the debate. Before we begin, I'd like to note that I do not think Pro is homophobic or anything of that nature. I think his sentiments are legitimate -- As a gay person I'm often embarrassed by how "my community" presents itself as it perpetuates negative stereotypes for all of us. However, I took this debate (a) to give my two cents for the sake of discussion, and (b) to argue the very difficult side of a debate; I like a challenge. I ask that voters please vote based on the arguments and not personal opinion (as I tend to agree with Pro most of the time anyway lol). So with that said - let's begin! For the sake of discussion, I'd like to correct my opponent on the actual purpose of Pride events. "The movement has three main premises: that people should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity, that diversity is a gift, and that sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered" [1]. As you can see, the purpose of this event is not to have OTHER people be okay with our sexuality, but for OURSELVES to be okay with our sexuality. There's a big difference between a March and a Parade. Marches are for protests; parades are for celebrating. Martin Luther King marched for black rights. Gays aren't marching for gay rights. Gays are celebrating their identity. This is not unusual, as there are Puerto Rican parades, Irish parades, military parades, holiday parades, religious parades (like Easter), etc. Moreover the images my opponent presented are harsh and unrealistic. You'll note that it was a European source with naked people parading on the streets of Amsterdam in the Netherlands. Well no kidding! It's Amsterdam! People get naked in Europe all the time, and here we have nudity laws that would make it illegal for people to walk around the way Pro has presented. Moreover, the type of "public indecency" that IS exhibited at Gay Pride (i.e. skimpy outfits) is no worse than the infamous Mardi Gras parade that goes on in New Orleans every Fat Tuesday [2]. The purpose of Mardi Gras is to have one last day of debauchery before the solemn Christian season of Lent which begins the next day. So, in that way, Mardi Gras is actually somewhat of a religious event considering it's preparation for a religious season in particular. At this event, it's common (and infamously known) to have girls reveal their bare breasts to obtain Mardi Gras beads. While this is obviously considered somewhat inappropriate, do we condemn them as a group (i.e. girls are bad - or Christians are bad), or do we simply come to our own conclusions about those specifically participating in the behavior? Clearly it's wrong and does not behoove one to come to rash stereotypes about such a large group based on the actions of some. I've been to six Gay Pride parades and never have I once behaved like that or dressed like that. The original parade was meant to have no dress requirements because many of the transgender people wanted to be able to dress like the opposite sex. However, over the years people have decided to use the lack of dress code to take advantage of sexualizing their wardrobe. Pro asks, "If there is a message - that gays and lesbians are ordinary people like everybody else - why are they acting like that? Why are they sending such a strong message about their sexuality?" Well again, the message is NOT that we're like everybody else. It's that we're NOT like everybody else, and that's okay - it's nothing to be ashamed about (in this case Pride, is meant to be the antonym of shame). Gays don't mind sending such a strong message about their sexuality, because they're specifically trying to focus on it instead of focusing on hiding it or feeling like the minority which they do day-in and day-out. This is supposed to be the one day a year they throw it all to the wind and go all out to celebrate and let loose. Personally I cannot tell you how comforting it is to be walking the streets with a bunch of homos. While they may look absolutely ridiculous (and like no one I'd ever hang out with in the real world), I know they're not judging me and I know that my lifestyle and what they're seeing (me holding hands with my girlfriend) is not foreign to them. Being this open is not something we often get to do. Human psychology gives us all the need to feel accepted. Gay Pride events fulfill that want. That's why when Pro says, "my opinion is that gay prides should be restricted in a form of formal meetings, and not as an annual festivity" that he's missing the entire point. Again this event is NOT to protest anything. People aren't getting together to make some kind of huge political statement. They're getting together to party. There's a time and a place for serious bizness, but this isn't it. Groups like the Human Rights Campaign are usually the ones to make major breakthroughs in issues of gay civil rights, and have a much more formal and reputable standing in terms of organized rallying. Pro basically concludes his argument by saying that because gays want to be treated and viewed as respectable human beings deserving of equal rights, that they should dress the part and not draw unnecessary negative attention to themselves. The fact is that gays don't think they should have to dress the part; their humanity alone should be enough to be considered deserving of basic and equal human rights. They feel they shouldn't have to conform or dress a certain way; that goes against everything the Constitution and the United States is supposed to stand for. In a nation that claims to celebrate diversity, gays are punished because they're a minority. What they do in their bedroom should be completely irrelevant, but since politics make it relevant, then I think throwing our sexuality in their faces is a big EFF YOU to society - and that's why a lot of gays do it. It's almost like the backlash of NOT having equal rights - not the fight for rights itself. So. I've pointed out what the actual purpose of the Pride parades is, the mentality behind many participants, and the fact that an entire group should not be unfairly judged or condemned. There's no reason for Pride to make people think any less of gays even if they act a fool at the event. As I said, that'd be like viewing all women as trashy and stupid based on the activity of most girls at Mardi Gras. It's just not reasonable. So now I'll explain with my last few characters about how Pride makes society more tolerant... For one, many people attend gay pride parades - not just gay people. In fact I'd say that 20% of attendees are probably not gay themselves, but just there to support a gay friend or family member. Involving other people in the community and opening up to them with our stories (of relationships, struggles, etc.) is a way of networking and branching out to reach more people. Second, these are generally highly publicized events. The saying goes "Any publicity is good publicity." Even if some people condemn gays for what they see, I've already explained how that is unreasonable... so if people understood that, then at least these events would open up a dialog between people and allow a conversation to emerge about gays and their status. The only way to foster tolerance is to educate people. That can only occur when something is at the forefront of discussion. Another thing - Many people who march in the parades are high ranking people and/or active groups in the community. They heavily advertise and make attendees (or viewers) more aware of their cause and services. This garners attention and interest, and more people to fight for the cause. I've got other ideas, but I've run out of characters. I'll continue my thoughts in R2. For now, back to you, Pro! [1] http://www.bates.ctc.edu... [2] http://www.mardigrasneworleans.com...