I originally posted this piece on Sunday, June 10, 2018 after being the on-site photographer for my firm’s walk in the Capital Pride Parade that Saturday before. As you’ll read, this assignment was more than just a time to take photographs. It was a visceral and eye opening experience.

Pride

I’ve had the opportunity to be in quite a few settings where love was being expressed. I’ve been to numerous churches when the spirit was high and weeping and praise was taking place. I’ve been to countless family reunions and family functions where familial love was in bloom. I’ve stood on stage and in the pulpit where the swells of love from the crowd and congregation flowed over me. I’ve received the love of women in marriage and relationship that was warm and fulfilling. Having experienced all that ... I have NEVER experienced love like I did yesterday while walking in the Capital Pride Parade.

The Experience

It was ... in a word: freedom. There were elaborate costumes, tutus, leather, near-nakedness and rainbows EVERYWHERE. So much color. So much to see. People of all walks of life - old, young, foreign, domestic, every race/creed/orientation one can imagine. It was a true celebration of people and love and “I don’t give a fuck what you think about me.” The route went through some very eclectic areas of D.C. and many of the restaurants and apartment buildings lining the route were emblazoned with Pride flags and people on balconies. I’ve never been to Mardi Gras but I imagine it is a similar experience.

The crowds lining the route made the biggest impression on me. Their cheers and well-wishes and smiles and waves were almost overwhelming. The moment when we rounded Dupont Circle and headed down New Hampshire Avenue is when the breadth and depth of this event became real. It nearly took my breath away and brought me to tears as I thought about who they are and all they want is to BE, in peace. Love who they want to love and express themselves without the scrutiny of anyone else. Hell, that’s all any of us want, right?

Of course it wasn’t all love. There were a few trolls there to hate on the parade and mock and jeer at the marchers but they were a very small percentage. It was interesting to see some folks who I KNOW didn’t want to be there. It was funny to see the cop’s faces as scantily clad men and women walked by.

The “Gay Agenda”

This idea of a “gay agenda” has been popping up on social media for years. I was in a Periscope (in 2023 you change this to Clubhouse) the other day and a troll tried to sway the conversation by claiming the moderator was promoting one. I recently saw a post on my timeline complaining about TV promoting one. If the LGBTQ(IA) community has an agenda, it’s the same one as Black Lives Matter has. It’s the same as women’s movements have. It’s the same as any group has that wants to be accepted and receive equal treatment by the world. To think of their mission as a way to “turn the world gay” is a sign of the “gay agenda promoter’s” ignorance of humanity. This parade was not part of any secret agenda or plot to turn the world gay. It was a celebration of life and love and just being one’s self.

My Takeaways

As a heterosexual man, as a Creative, and as an Artist ... my goal is to be as free in my own life and art, as the free I felt from the crowds yesterday. To express my art without hinderance and to be a positive force for change.

M.Dayton