The Pride Parade (portland) was fabulous - not as showy as I expected from other cities (like Atlanta's, San Fran's, etc), but very relaxing in a sexy way. Lots of just genuine cheer, support, even the police had a booth for self defense classes and such. It is so incredibly odd.. its like there is no conflict here that I can find.
Ok, I know it is not true, the few black friends / acquaintances I have here are distinctly unhappy and with really good reason, but that is the only fly in the ointment that I'm running in to. I mean sure, it seems somewhat cliquish, hard to find social groups, but honestly I haven't looked all that hard yet. I think I am just reacting more to the lack of 'southern charm' and 'european hosting rules' - where a new person is instantly greeted, introduced around, and made to feel welcome until they prove they shouldn't be. Here a new person is more like 'uh. ok. someone new. [back to conversation]' I suspect I can get past that as I dive deeper and deeper!
Anyway it was a lot of fun marching with my company. We didn't really have anything set up (the local cabaret and show tunes groups though were fabulous!!), but everyone was enthusiastic, wooping and clapping and cheering, so yay!
(As a total aside by the way, Paris is awesome. Took my pet there last weekend, and she had a ton of fun / made me prouder and happier then I have any right to be and made everyone feel quite welcome. And if you know what that means and want to say hi, go for it!)
Ok, I know it is not true, the few black friends / acquaintances I have here are distinctly unhappy and with really good reason, but that is the only fly in the ointment that I'm running in to. I mean sure, it seems somewhat cliquish, hard to find social groups, but honestly I haven't looked all that hard yet. I think I am just reacting more to the lack of 'southern charm' and 'european hosting rules' - where a new person is instantly greeted, introduced around, and made to feel welcome until they prove they shouldn't be. Here a new person is more like 'uh. ok. someone new. [back to conversation]' I suspect I can get past that as I dive deeper and deeper!
Anyway it was a lot of fun marching with my company. We didn't really have anything set up (the local cabaret and show tunes groups though were fabulous!!), but everyone was enthusiastic, wooping and clapping and cheering, so yay!
(As a total aside by the way, Paris is awesome. Took my pet there last weekend, and she had a ton of fun / made me prouder and happier then I have any right to be and made everyone feel quite welcome. And if you know what that means and want to say hi, go for it!)