Find out what it means to me.
Sometimes we get so caught up in the spirit of the moment,
we forget ourselves and do things we might not ordinarily do.
we forget ourselves and do things we might not ordinarily do.
But "the moment" does not excuse the behavior.
Here in Chicago, it's become quite disappointing.
Year after year, women have been taunted by men, mostly GAY men, along the parade route.
Women have been called insulting names.
Women have been told to shave their underarms.
Butch women were asked how big their "dicks" were.
Women who were drumming had their drums struck by men along the parade route.
Women's breasts were grabbed by men along the parade route.
Year after year, women have been taunted by men, mostly GAY men, along the parade route.
Women have been called insulting names.
Women have been told to shave their underarms.
Butch women were asked how big their "dicks" were.
Women who were drumming had their drums struck by men along the parade route.
Women's breasts were grabbed by men along the parade route.
What's been tried?
Last year, groups of women walked together,
protecting each other, blowing whistles and calling attention to offenders.
protecting each other, blowing whistles and calling attention to offenders.
Women's groups have talked to parade organizers.
The response was "There's nothing we can do."
The response was "There's nothing we can do."
Women's groups have talked to the press.
They were not interested in publishing the story.
They were not interested in publishing the story.
What has it come to?
This year, a Chicago women's group is calling for a girlcott of the Pride parade.
They are urging women to not go to the parade, or at least wear a black armband.
They are urging women to not go to the parade, or at least wear a black armband.
What has been the response so far?
A gay radio show has been talking about this issue.
And some interesting statements have been made.
Some men called to say that they have been grabbed inappropriately, too.
Some men called to say that the types of things that happened to these women are to be EXPECTED at the parade.
And some interesting statements have been made.
Some men called to say that they have been grabbed inappropriately, too.
Some men called to say that the types of things that happened to these women are to be EXPECTED at the parade.
Some men called to say that the name calling was an exercise of free speech.
Some men said the parade was no place for politics.
Some men said the parade was no place for politics.
So what of RESPECT?
Verbal abuse is not about "protected free speech"
Sure, you CAN say what you LIKE.
But do you want to use your free speech for verbal abuse, or for social and political change?
Grabbing people without their consent is NEVER OK.
It's called battery.
And politics?
The parade has ALWAYS been about politics.
The physical presence of thousands of gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgendered people cannot help but be political.
Yet here we are, failing to respect EACH OTHER,
And calling for respect from the rest of the world.
All I'm asking
Is for a little RESPECT.
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