“Love thy children”
I was never comfortable watching pride parades on TV. They looked a tad too provocative, I did not understand why should sexuality be flaunted this way? Lately, I had a chance to talk to a couple of people about it and realized that what I see on TV does not necessarily represents what actually takes place, rather a filtered version of it. As someone who photographs for a few years now, I should have figured this earlier …anyway, when hearing there is a pride parade in Netanya, my childhood city I realized this is a good opportunity to experience the actual thing, not the TV version. I am glad I went, the event did not feel even a bit like the ones on TV …
To start with , it was small, maybe a couple of hundred people, mostly youth ( school age), a few families as well. Heavily guarded by the police as Netanya is a pretty conservative city, this is only the 2nd time this parade is organized here. Needless to say, no financial support from the city, all done by volunteers. What truly surprised me was the joyful atmosphere, singing and dancing, an optimism and can do attitude that permeated the crowd. Looking at the little girl who watched the dancing on the stage, sitting safely on her father’s (?) shoulders I could not help wishing that when she grows up, she will be free to be her best self, and fall in love without society passing judgments on her choices.
One of the last speakers was a young gay religious man, who told his story, and his parting words are still ringing in my ears. He said “ As long as there are young men desperate enough to contemplate suicide because of their sexual inclination - the Pride Parade should be held”.
After today, I hope to see the day when these parades are not needed anymore, and may this day come sooner rather than later.
“This is my city too!”
Safe & confident, on her father’s shoulders and on the stage
Happy to be ourselves
“My freedom is your freedom”