61. Go to a Pride Parade.
Knoxville, TN had their annual Pridefest on June 25, 2011. The one day a year where this small Southern community can come out and join together to cheer on buff men in their underwear, women (womyn?) on harleys and you can hold hands with anyone you wish. It was truly a day of happiness and community.
The actual parade was quite small, lasted about 15 minutes - but, let me tell you! The groups who marched made the best of those 15 minutes! I got hit in the face with candy, coasters, sparkly necklaces (think rainbowed Mardi Gras) and lots of glitter.
Lady Gaga's "Born This Way" had recently debuted and was the anthem of the Parade.
Your quintessential Dykes on Bykes.
Local gay families came out to march! It made my heart smile to see these couples with their children!
What Pride Parade would not be complete without.....
hot men in underwear?!?!
After the parade, local groups, businesses and gay friendly churches set up booths with giveaways, free goodies and general awesomeness.
I signed up to be a volunteer with HRC, which is something that I have wanted to do for years, but have never actually LIVED in one place due to my job as a traveling slave driver. I hope that they call me up for some events. I miss volunteering. I also hope that it will help me to get out and meet people in this tiny mountain town. (anyone? anyone?)
The entertainment was a bunch of local singers who were AMAZING! The special guest performer was Tiffany of "I Think We're Alone Now" fame. We had to leave before she came on - and I was tempted to return downtown to watch her concert, but the heat and mosquitos kept me inside with the aid conditioner. Here is a taste of the concert stage as they were getting ready for Tiffany.
To conclude - I got several bracelets, pins and my official Knox Pridefest t-shirt. Patricia and I decked ourselves out and then went back to her house and showered her hubby in identical gifts. We were a rainbowed bunch that afternoon.
This picture made me laugh - not only because I was able to get all of my rainbowed accoutrement in the shot, but because my bangs are magnificent and I almost pull off the Biebs look. Just a few head tosses and I am good to go.
So - I have checked the first thing off! It is always the hardest part to begin a challenge... but now - let the bucketing begin! :)
Happy Friday!
Your bangs are super awesome! I love that photo of you. Glad you got to go to your first Pride! It is a great event.
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