Somewhere Over The Rainbow

I did something completely out of character for me this weekend. Especially when you consider the small (minded) town I'm from and how much of my family feels.

Mr. Sign needed to hand out information for his job this weekend. He does this often at various outdoor events throughout the summer. He asked me if I wanted to go. "Go where?" I inquired. "To the Michigan Pride Parade," he responded.

For those not in the know, the parade is Michigan's second largest gay pride parade. Since it's in the capital city, many come to demonstrate and rally on the capital lawn after the parade.

My first response was that it wasn't really my idea of a great way to pass time on one of the most perfect summer days of the year. Then, my blogger brain kicked in. I could take pictures!!

We got there very early and not many people were there yet. There were many vendors selling all kinds of things (not kinky things, you freaks!). I got the most beautiful necklace. (Notice my lobster red skin.)




We walked around and everyone was so friendly speaking to everyone. I was a little leery of what people might think about us since we were a heterosexual couple. My mind was put to ease when we saw other heterosexual couples. Mr. Sign and I got some food to share and sat on a hill in the shade. A young guy came over and sat by us. He was pretty quiet at first but then made small talk. He asked us if we were marching later and we told him that we were there to support. He genuinely thanked us for that.

There were a few guys dressed in all leather. One had on a leather skirt with his bare ass hanging out of the back. I sneaked up and took this picture.



I wanted so badly to have my picture taken with them, but was afraid to ask. I finally got brave and asked two of the guys if I could take their picture. They obliged.


I didn't get any pictures of all the rainbow paraphernalia, but rest assured, there was more than I've ever seen in one spot.

Music was blasting from several locations and people were genuinely happy. Of course, there always has to be a few party poopers (notice the signs):




These people were not hurting anyone. We never saw any one of them do something lewd.

During the parade, we got to see Dykes on Bikes. There were some beautiful Harleys.



In the end, we were both glad we had gone and experienced this culture. It is something that is not understood by outsiders.


Oh, I forgot to mention the sponsor of the whole shindig (no, not me, look at the sign):



Excuse the quality of these pictures. I used my new Chocolate cell phone to take them.