Washblog

Nobody could deny the role Pride parades have been played in the development of the gay movement as a cultural force. At first, it was the simple power of merely being both literally and metaphorically out together in public - we're here, we're queer, get used to it. It was a street party; but it also put the community's growing institutional strength on display each year, established a forum for the sharing of energy and ideas, and educated millions of straight people (who, in turn, educated others). Doing this year after year gave local gay communities a reason to get organized, and stay organized -- so when trouble came calling, they could organize to fight it without a moment of confusion or hesitation.

Could it be time to adapt the idea, and start a national movement of Liberal Pride celebrations? Consider the potential benefits:

She then goes on to list a variety of benefits to having such an annual event.  

Building New Community

Showing The Flag

A Marketplace of Ideas

Take Back Our Name

And my personal favorite:

Joy and Hope -- These events should be massively, wildly, unapologetically fun; and fabulous PR for the cause. Without the Seriousness of Purpose required by a demonstration, a Liberal Pride festival can just loosen up and relax. It's a celebration of all things progressive -- and we do it right, the Biggest Asshole Rule kicks in when everyone in town realizes that compared to us, the conservatives are bunch of uptight, self-righteous stuffed shirts who couldn't throw a decent party if Reagan's resurrection depended on it.

And where there's fun, there's hope. People, we have gotten pretty dismal over the past 30 years. And I hate to break it to you -- but, as desperate as this nation is, nobody follows pessimists. We are not going to get our political mojo back for good until we remember how to find joy in this work again. Pride celebrations could be a place to start rediscovering the lost art of raising hell and having fun.

I think its an idea worth following up on.  What do others think?