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San Paulo, Brazil celebrates gay pride in a big way. Approximately 3 million participants enjoy the day.
Councilman Carlos Apolinario, had the bright idea (sarcasm) of initiating a Heterosexual Pride Day. The day has been approved by Brazilian council however it has yet to b e signed by Mayor Gilberto Kassab. If granted the Heterosexual Pride Day will take place on the third Sunday of December each year.
According to The Daily What, Apolinario is quoted as saying that the celebration is, "not anti-gay but a protest against the privileges the gay community enjoys."
Being that we live in a heterosexist world it is counter-productive to have a hetero day of celebration. Every day is catered to straighty-ville. Aplolinaro contradicts himself as he says the celebration is not anti-gay but yet it is a PROTESTING event.
What privileges does the LGBTQI community have? Having a gay parade is not a privileges but rather a celebration of being who you are in a world that so often says you can't be.
The Daily What also quotes Apolinario as saying, "I respect gays and I am against any kind of aggression made against them,” he went on to say. “I have no trouble coexisting with gays as long as their behavior is normal."
Define normal Carlos. I think it is not normal to assume that heterosexuals actually need a day o' celebration.
As a heterosexual woman I feel no need to announce to the world that I am straight. I also have no desire to march up and down the streets of Hollywood and proclaim that I fall in love with men. I like who I am and I am appreciative of my own sexuality and I think it is possible to celebrate that however I do not wish to do so at the expense of others. As a straight woman I understand my place of privilege. It is important for anyone in a place of privilege to be mindful of said privlege and to fight against oppression of others.
The Brazilian LGBT Association has expressed concern that the Heterosexual Pride Day will lead to aggression against gay individuals. I understand that this is a concern because I can't imagine that every attendee is going to stick to the pretense of the holiday. I imagine that gay bashers will be in attendance as well.
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