He mistakes gay oppression with radicalism, and I deem him hopeless. I have been very lucky in my life to be blessed with an outstanding intelligence and advanced sense of humor, and the only hardship I can complain about presently is suffering through his email. Do not confuse my thoughts on gay culture for my thoughts on gay rights. Obviously gay rights are important and we are outrageously better off today than we were ten years ago. This comment made me think that I wasn't emphatic enough in my original pride update.
Pride can be real.
Pride is important - especially to the young. My point is that it is our perogative as gay people to make gay culture the best it can be. I had never felt beautiful before that day, that moment. Perhaps it is only because I am 16 years old and live in a town of only 37000, but to me Pride is very real. I will certainly remember the great time I had.