The theme of Boston Pride for 2007 is:
Ask. Tell.
Proud to Serve Our Community, Our Country, Our World.
The LGBT community is an integral part of society at every level of organization: community, country, and the world. We are your doctors, lawyers, teachers, leaders, engineers, custodians, bankers, and bakers. We are proud of our service and we are happy to share our lives with you. Just ask, and we’ll tell!
It seems a very strange theme to me, since at this point most Americans have woken up to the fact that the invasion and occupation of Iraq was not a good idea. Of course the theme does not actually mention Iraq, but it does have military connotations. “Ask. Tell.” Many people would understandably say that serving in the military in Iraq is not a way of serving our country. And a dance event on Saturday night of Pride is billed as a “Military Ball.” How sad that a Gay Pride celebration has been so closely tied to the viewpoint of the dominant fascist military-industrial complex. I suppose that that’s what comes from welcoming sponsorship from large corporations.
The blog QueerToday is urging its readers: “Remember to wear something Hot Pink during Pride if you have concerns about the theme.”
I wonder whether it is better to go and wear hot pink, or simply to stay away.