Today is the 40th Anniversary of Stonewall, and as Frank Rich said in today's NYT: "Gay Americans aren’t just another political special interest group. They are Americans who are actively discriminated against by federal laws." My neighborhood was the starting point for Barcelona's Gay Pride Parade in a overwhelmingly catholic country (73%) that recognizes the Jeffersonian concept of the necessity of separation of Church and State and has legalized same-sex marriage. Last year, 3% of all marriages in Barcelona were same-sex couples. While of course discrimination and prejudice has not disappeared, the parade and party felt particularly joyful -- it was the first Pride parade in the city, and caps off a week of festivities.
There were families, freaky people, beautiful people, non-freaky people, old, young, gay, straight, and lots of dancing! I positioned myself at the point where two streets diverged to get some good shots of the "floats" and the parade. They were supposed to go down Calle Sepulveda, but people started lining up on Sant Antonio, until there were a couple thousand people standing on the sides of the wrong street. Oh, well! So the police just changed the route, and they headed down Sant Antonio, instead. The parade scene was so wonderfully chaotic. There was really no separation between the crowd and the parade: people just filled in all the spaces between the "floats," which were basically buses and cars filled with people dancing. What a riot! It really was a party. I was standing next to three really nice guys that I started talking with, they gave me a beer, and we toasted to the beautiful day and the beautiful feeling of peace and acceptance. Visca Catalunya!
After the last float passed (amazing Brazilian samba drums), how could I not join in and follow the parade, dancing with Spaniards and Catalans in celebration of freedom and love?
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Looks like too much fun! You captured some very interesting moments. Would love to see what your creating in your workshop. I met you a couple of times out around the playfield while I was strolling with my dog Moses. Kenny gave me a tour of your home today--------absolutely magical! I really like that painting also----the Birds at Daybreak by Miro. I'm doing a little experimenting with canvas and latex enamels inspired by Jackson Pollock. Leaving for Death Valley in a few days but will continue to check in with your Spanish adventure-----Chris Also---Ripple and Moses have been having a blast together!!
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