Post Pride Parade

I haven’t been camping, but I’m happy anyway. I’ve just had a busy weekend going to the theatre, and marching with the little fugger in the Gay Pride Parade.

My pal Todd invited me to march with his crew last week.  I got dressed in my garish tie-dyed shirt, put a rainbow coloured bandana on Grendel and off I went. After wandering around the floats for an hour or more, I found the Goodhandy’s gang and joined in the march. The trannies loved Grendel in his rainbow coloured threads, and he made up for his dimunitive size by attracting far too much attention. Even the police contingent were gaga over him. (Imagine a uniformed police office exclaiming “awwwww” when a rainbow draped condo-dog scampers by. )

It seems the paparazzi were less than busy with Paris Hilton out of the limelight for these past few weeks. Instead, they descended on Grendel. When I purchased his colours, and dressed him up, the photographers started almost immediately. I decided to try to count all of the photographers who asked to take a picture of my out and proud chihuahua. Not including the hordes lining the parade route, I counted over 35 photographers coming after Grendel. I was puzzled, and I think Grendel was too. Cute dogs in rainbow threads  rule… apparently.

After the parade, I hooked up with Sassinak, and our pal A. With my tongue firmly planted in cheek, I remarked that “everyone loves Grendel, but they’re indifferent to me.” Both women were kind enough to give me a nice hug to set things right. PJ arrived on the scene a few minutes later, and Grendel’s spirits picked up even though he was tired from rambling around in the big crowds all afternoon.

It was a grand weekend, and I’m still in a good mood from all the festivities and partying. The celebrations seem to bring out the best in Toronto. Despite the huge crowds, and the usually stifling heat, everyone is in a good mood, and no matter how weird or outside you may be, there’s a place for you.

The other day I said “before there was pride, there was fear.” Times have changed, and the massive celebration every year reminds us that we ought to be proud of ourselves instead of hiding in the shadows like we used to. The massive outpouring of good will can’t be beat. It’s a pleasure to be in such a large group of queer and queer-friendly people.

The good people of Toronto could teach the rest of the world a thing or two.