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    Monday, July 02, 2007

    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.

    21 comments:

    The Guardian said...

    I'm so glad you stepped out of your comfort zone and went! And I'm glad you enjoyed yourself!

    Miss you!

    Mouthy Girl said...

    I'm so envious of your great afternoon! Glad you had some fun!

    Big Pissy said...

    I would LOVE to go to something like that!

    Good for you!

    Great photos too! :)

    S said...

    Looks like a normal day in San Francisco to me, Sign! LOL

    Glad you had a good time!

    barman said...

    Second largest... really. I had no idea. Isn't it funny, people just want to be treat like ... PEOPLE. It is what it is all about. I am glad you had a nice day of it. It looks like it would have been most interesting.

    Liz said...

    It sounds like a blast. Except for the stupid zealots. Those religious fanatics need to seriously get a life.

    It was cold here, how was it warm up there?

    SignGurl said...

    Cutie~ Sometimes it's hard to get outside of my box. Oh hell, that sounded dirty!! I miss you too!

    BG~ I wish you could have been there with me. So much fun!

    Pissy~ The people watching was marvelous and everyone was so nice.

    S~ LOL! Here in the mid-west, these things are a little more on the down low.

    Barman~ The only larger one takes place in Ferndale (I think) near Detroit.

    Nonny~ It was perfect weather. 75 degrees and not a cloud in the sky! I'm not sure where your freakish weather came from. {{{I'm so glad you are back}}}

    Doesn't anybody think the lube picture is hilarious? The entire event was plastered with these signs. Ok, maybe it's just me.

    BTExpress said...

    I just don't get why people have to be prejudice against gay people. For that matter, I don't get why are prejudice at all. Why do they even care?

    Glad you had fun.

    Anonymous said...

    This is such a great post jenn and the pictures are fantastic.
    Who's the cute blonde pointing to the sign?
    tc

    jillie said...

    They have a big fair here on Adams Ave. It is fun fun fun and I've gone a few times. They are great people and very misunderstood. The "uptights" look at it as a disease they might get....ewwww...oh no! Good for you and your hubby for going to support them. Love the necklace...

    LOL@ "GOT LUBE"

    G-Man said...

    Sign by the sign eh?
    Great pics for a camera phone!!
    Interesting day Jenn...
    Xoxoxox

    MilkMaid said...

    Love that necklace..and I need to find a leather skirt like that! LOL

    *Rae* said...

    What a pretty neckalace I am glad you went out and had a good time..They have them here in Wa but I haven't been to one yet

    barman said...

    Can I second what G-ster said about the camera phone pics. They are really pretty good for a camera phone.

    Yea I thought the sponsor was funny but I was afraid to head there...

    Crabby said...

    Those pics are from a cell phone? They're awesome!

    I think that looks like soooo much fun. I'd enjoy it. Course it's not a frog jump or anything....which I missed this year, btw. But it still looks like fun.

    Lovin the necklace! And you look soooo darn CUTE!

    Mona said...

    ah! what an adventure!

    & the pictures are just great! Thanks for sharing.

    the necklace looks awesome too :)

    why are the best looking guys gays?

    Kelly said...

    LOL, great pictures! Happy Fourth, fellow Michigander!

    terry said...

    as a san franciscan, i have to say... every day does not look like this. trust me. (not that i'd have a problem if it did.)

    however, pride week is amazing here -- so warm and welcoming to all -- and the parade is always a blast. glad you got a taste of it there!

    Rick Rockhill said...

    how excellent. looks like a fun day. great blog btw. stop by and say hi sometime

    cadbury_vw said...

    great title - i may steal it in context

    right on for you!!!

    right on for Mr. Sign being up for it!

    GAB said...

    Happy 4th