San Francisco Shooting Mars Gay Pride Celebration

Alright here's the deal. We just need alittle tolerence and I feel it is quickly coming. There will always be homophobia, just like there will always be racism, thats just how it is. However it wont be as bad as it is now. History is constantly repeating. Look at Women and African American Rights it took awhile but tolerence and equality came. In fact half of the the homophobics who commented on this article will probably change their stance on this issue sometime in their life. Also just to make a point- if youare so set againist homosexuality why did you even care enough to read this article when there are so many to choose from?

A shooting, "marred" the Gay-Pride Celebration? The Celebration itself mars its participants with dishonor. Mental Illness is not a reason for celebration, or pride.
Down is the new UP. Bad the new Good. Wrong the new Right. Backwards is now known as Forwards.

I live in SF and more news has come out about the shooting and it was gang related. The people in the shooting were stright and had nothing to to with the gay community. Unfortunately the Castro street parties have been taken over by Young straight gang kids. Most people who live in the neighborhood don't even go to these parties anymore because they don't represent the gay community anymore, and they don't feel safe.

While watching the march on t.v. yesterday, I was struck by the body language and display that was shown. I don't think it helped THE CAUSE to see them that way!
Maybe in their OWN mind, but in the eyes of THIS person, I think they could have better expressed themselves by being a bit more controlled in their attitude! It is
OBVIOUS that they are making great strides in it being an acceptable life style, but
the majority I would HOPE would be less flamboyant. You won't see hetro couples do this.

I must admit that I once very homophobic and a gay basher in college. But over the yars I've matured and actually got to know some gays and realized that they are proud Americans just like myself and who have made many contributions to our society. I have no problems with gay people now and am somewhat shamed at how I acted previously. Having said this, I have to admit that the person who mentioned that gays cannot procreate has a point. Strictly biologically speaking, the only reason why we are here on this earth is to create other people so the human species can continue. Everything else basically is something that was man-made. Religion was created by man, the institution of marriage was also created by man. All nature cares about is that procreation takes place and those who die are replaced. Homosexuals cannot do this so maybe this is not natural. However, nature is not perfect and for whatever reason, gays are born with this orientation. It is not a sin, or a curse or anything like that. There are plenty of people on the earth that can procreate and I don't think that the facts that gays can't procreate will be a threat to populating the world. There always have been gays and there always will be; it's a fact of nature. This doesn't mean that they should be treated any different from anybody else. Religion and ignorance has caused many people to think that homosexuality is some sort of sin or whatever. Nature, or God, or what ever you want to call it, is not perfect so there is always going to be a biological variation. No big deal - we're all people!

My thoughts and prayers go out to the families, partners and friends of the people who were killed and hurt.

I'm constantly amazed by the ignorance of people. I am gay and while I don't give a crap whether I'm graced by your tolerance I do care I can't marry the person I love. I care that I've been called the most vile names by people who don't know me and I've been threatened with violence. I have been in a monogamous relationship for ten years. We are both proffessionals and pay taxes just like those who post on this board. We celebrate with our parades to show togetherness, laugh and have a good time. It is up to maybe one week a year that we get together in large numbers. I can't believe a one day parade and six days of celebration in our community causes such ugliness. Everyday is heterosexual day and we don't condem our heterosexual counterparts. I'm going to lay down crazy questions and thoughts for all those intollerant people. First-Not all of us who are in homosexual relationships were born homosexual. Unfortunately for me I didn't have a choice but I know others who did. Second-Why does it matter so much to others who we love. As long as we are all consenting adults why does anyone care. Third-By the statements I have read here and other places, I should lie to myself and live alone my entire life, or pretend to love someone for the sake of comfort and tradition. Third-Why don't we give up judging others and work on ourselves to be a better person. Last-There are those who are able to find love by looking at the whole person and not just race or sex. Again why does anyone care. I know there are those who prefer to live in the past. Who think tradition is a positive term but tradition only works for those who were priviledged with tradition that was pleasant. Who is anyone to have the attitude they know whats best. We need to stop fighting each other and start enjoying the differences that we have. Have we learned nothing from the hatred we've seen and where it all ends. I am saddened by what I've read.

Now I am left to assume that shooting someone is an act of love. It was probably jealousy, but certainly not hate.

AROLDFUT said it best: "California is a liberal, "Why can't we all get along" state...as long as they agree with you. If not, then expect to have your celebration disrupted by protesters and even violence. Try having a parade to celebrate the military or anything patriotic there. In the 60's era in S.F. liberal meant something. Now it only applies if you agree with their political agenda. So much for 'equal rights' and 'tolerance'." GREAT COMMENT!!!

The Cubs had a float? Are the Cubs a gay group?