I’ve missed Vancouver Pride every year since I lived in Vancouver. It is hosted during the August long-weekend, a holiday weekend that usually meant adventure time with friends (either in a tent, with a surfboard, or en route to Portland). Texting “Happy Pride” to my favourite gaggle of gays was about as celebratory as it got.
Enter Sitges Pride 2012.
As part of our 5 day fiesta in Spain, we headed down to this gay mecca of Europe to celebrate with locals and tourists a plenty. People came from all over the world to attend Sitges Pride, and who could blame them! Beaches that went on for days, 28+ degree heat, great outdoor DJs and tribute concerts to ABBA and Lady Gaga, ocean-side bars serving the most enjoyable mojitos, a parade along the promenade, and eye-candy in speedos as far as the eye could see. And timing was perfectly relaxed. Everything started about 1.5 hours later than scheduled, the afternoon became a perfect time for a siesta in the shade, and our nights ended at 6 am the following morning. A quick little dip in the ocean or the pool before heading to bed was a perfect close to each “night.” It was a great way to begin our vacation.
The best part was that the celebrations were simply that – celebrations. It wasn’t about advancing an agenda or promoting acceptance. There were no political parties or advocate organizations marching in the parade. The families at the events were same-sex couples and their children. The rainbow flag waved above all restaurants and clubs – regardless of whether they were considered a “gay club” or not. And coolest of all – strangers smiled and talked with each other.
When the newlywed straight couple walked from the church down the beach in their tux and white dress, the crowd waiting for the parade erupted in applause. We cheered for their demonstration of love.
And then came the floats with cute boys in speedos – and we cheered for them too.
Cause love looks good on you.
Pick of the Post: Timeflies – Call Me Maybe
(great cover-mix of one of the theme songs for the weekend)
1 comment
Abel says:
July 12, 2012 at 4:44 am (UTC -7)
Awesome!