You can't have it two ways. There are two genders a non-gender just does not exist, so one of my friends who was male till end of his twenties turned into a woman all the way, not only hormones but went to Thailand and did everything. He now has a female name changed his passport and lives as a woman. Even the pitch of his voice is higher. She is happy, not stereo typed.
I honestly can’t say that I understand being agender, since I’ve always been totally comfortable with being a male (i.e. I am a cisgender male). (I can only
imagine what it must be like to be transgender, being trapped in the wrong body. But with agender, I really can’t even imagine it.) But — and it’s a huge “but” — who cares? Who am I to say they’re wrong? How would I know, since I’m happily cis? And what difference does it make? It takes essentially zero effort on my part to respect someone else’s wish. At most, I might have to ask how they prefer to be addressed. I don’t see how my life is negatively impacted by showing them respect, and on the other hand, that respect might make a difference to someone struggling to come to terms with their gender identity.
The issues that I see is when groups act out trying to force their point of view on society. We are in general a very homo friendly country but I really don't understand why there should be something like a Gay parade where people dress up like it is carnaval and act out with only one purpose to provoke and shock. I don't get that.
Yes, gay pride parades can get crazy. But that’s OK. I know lots of people who take their kids to pride simply to expose them to differentness, so their kids grow up tolerant and accepting.
Anyway, as to your real question, which is the purpose of gay pride events. According to your profile, you’re in the Netherlands, which is arguably the most LGBT-friendly country on the planet, and has been for a long time. So the original purpose of pride parades — demonstrations for equal rights — may be somewhat obsolete there. But in many countries, that purpose is still very much at the core of the parades. (One thing a lot of people don’t realize is that even in places with robust LGBT communities, like USA, there is still rampant discrimination, differences in law, and violence against us. For example, gay marriage is now federal law in USA — but in most states, you can still be fired from your job the next day for doing so. Or evicted from your apartment. Here in Switzerland, same-sex couples can get registered partnerships, but not marriage, and this comes with a handful of major limitations, including financial downsides and the express prohibition of adoption. So when you see a gay pride parade, remember that we are also there to fight, or at least raise awareness, for our rights.)
And in countries where we’ve mostly managed to achieve equality, we still hold the parades in solidarity with our brothers and sisters in countries where they remain oppressed to some degree or another* — and to celebrate and mourn those who fought and died to get us those rights. So think of the parades as the more political dimension of pride festivities.
Another reason is to mourn and celebrate our brothers lost to AIDS in the 80s and 90s before HIV could be treated. (And to raise awareness of the importance of protection today!)
Finally, one HUGE reason for holding pride events is to foster community. This is especially important for young LGBT people, who may be struggling to find themselves. It can be incredibly helpful to be able to go to a pride event and a) see that there are thousands of people just like you [iin your area alone[/i], and b) be able to let your guard down. For many LGBT youth, a pride event is the first exposure they have to other LGBT people, especially if they’re from a small town, for example. And often, the first time to let their guard down and be themselves. (Or even just go and take it in before coming out themselves.) You’ll just have to take our word for it that even in the absolutely most accepting environments, coming out is usually a really, really difficult, confusing, scary time. In a less accepting environment, it can be terrifying, oppressive, and hugely damaging. Imagine being a kid questioning their sexuality or gender identity in an environment where you’re reminded constantly that it’s a sin, that you’re “wrong”. Being able to connect with other people like you can literally be a life saver.
As for the outrageousness and festivals and parties that go along with the parades: why not? You don’t
have to have an excuse to party, but if you do...
*One stereotype of gay men is that we’re pansies. But man... wanna see men with balls of fucking
steel titanium? Look at the men who march in the gay pride parades in Uganda and other African and Middle Eastern nations where (male) homosexuality is punishable by death
both in law and in practice. And yet they march!!! :O
There is not something like a hetero parade where hetero people dress up like they belong in a p-movie and act out to shock everyone?
You don’t need a straight pride parade because you already
have full rights everywhere.
As for non-gay non-pride parades where people dress to shock... ummm... I suggest you avoid the Street Parade in Zurich, then!
So it is easy choose your gender that suits you the best, switch every other day/week if you like but act accordingly and no-one will stereo-type you.
That’s called “blaming the victim”.
Instead of worrying about how others behave, how about reflecting on why others’ behavior is so important to you. Because that says more about
you than it does about them.
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