[Frost__2001]

Ok where to start after wasting 30+ minutes reading every comment and shot here, I might be able to help maybe clear this up for some people to get the idea, but I have to say there have been really good comments from ZTWsugared on Ford's policys and quite a few by both Anthony, and puppet. I'll try to really explain what I know read, and reasurched when I came out and explain it the best as I can, I hope this clears the air for some, and answers questions for others. I had help in writing up this responce so I have to say thanks to my boyfriend Richard for helping me.

Pride Parade History - It was Orginally started in the 1970's after the Stone wall riots in New York City, after the government and police stepped in to "enforce" public behavior and moral laws they started in the 1950's to really stop the "spread" of homosexual behavior then, but then became a civil rights matter later on and the laws were repealed shortly there after the Riots in NYC.

One Year later the Riot was marked by a very public display, From the Bar to where the Riot started was a very quite parade that followed the route of the police and went from the the bar in the Gay Village in NYC to the City Hall. Over 255 people were arrested in the riot and 15 people died, the parade was more or less to honer the people that had died and the people that were arrested for standing up for their rights.

Following the 1 year anniversary of the riots the story spread throughout the world it was marked on October 15 on the day the original riot took place. However as it slowly evolved into the fun fair it is today, the dates of the annual celebration changed over time to suit the city they are held in today. Toronto, Berlin, and Sydney are the only three cities in world to celebrate for a full month, with the parades marking the end of the celebration.

Toronto's Pride is marked with two Parades, one being the Dyke March the Day before the actual Pride Parade. The Dyke march is to celebrate all things lesbien and is a girl only celebration to wemen of any part of the community to join in. Pride has changed every year and grown every year, last year it theme was about love, I'm not sure as to what this years will be, but there is expected to be over 1.2 Million people coming to see the event.

Pride Week / Day / Month
It's more about showing people that we are here, we are different and there is nothing wrong with it. It's about showing people they are not alone, and that there is help for everyone out there. Pride events often have any number of groups and info sessions covering topics like HIV/AIDS research, aging homes, gay-friendly travel locations, lifestyle trends, or fetishes. There are also many community groups and out-reach centres have presentations as well.

Gay History 101
Gays have been around as long as civilization has existed, dating back to the Roman and Greek civilizations. With the Greeks it was not uncommon for older men to take younger men and teach them or develop relationships with them, something that has been well supported by research.

Also in the ancient Greek military they had special forces of same-sex couples that were the most violent in battle and had the most success. Additionally, recent research has been been finding links to Alexander the Great and another unnamed male soldier.

Just think about in this sense, if you were in battle and someone killed your spouse, you'd go insane in grief and try to kill as much as you could to avenge their death. And that's what the greeks did for their units.

The Romans on the other hand had more or less left it to the side, until it occurred to them that it could be used as a natural population control method in Rome when the city reached its high point in history of 1.5 million people. At that time housing was limited, so same-sex relationships were encouraged to help moderate population growth.

And of course, Christianity became more influential and resulted in the moral view that followed over time. The Bible never mentioned the term homosexual until 1951, and was introduced by the Southern Baptist Faith, and it slowly moved into all versions of the Bible in 1952, this is also Proven Fact.

Marriage / Gay Marriage - Documented marriage has only been practiced for the last 1500 years or so, it was more or less adapted by Heads of State and Kings as a political tool to help develop closer relations with other States or internal groups. It is now no longer a solely religious function but is now regulated by governments.

Gay marriage is required because certain states in the US do not honour gay relationships. As a result, same-sex partners are often not able to see their significant other in the hospital, nor are enabled to make decisions on behalf of their partner (i.e. withdrawing life support). This level of equality is not pending in the US, however it is likely that the UK and Australia will soon be following Canada's path in this issue.

Pride Today - Pride is more less a celebration of who you are regardless of where you are, what you are, or what your interest is. It is a celebration of life, and having the freedom to do what you want, when you want. It's more or less about your civil rights to choose your path and to be happy with that choice. It is no longer a gay thing anymore, it's about everyone and everything and to take pride in what your doing in your own life. It's why everyone is welcome to join in the celebration, regardless of your sexual orientation or status. It's just to celebrate your own pride.

Homosexuality is Natural
Other then the points I made earlier about the Greek and Roman civilizations, homosexuality is not just confined to homo sapiens, but has also been documented in animals as well. It has been observed in elks, whales, birds, and even butterflies just to name a few. Therefore, the assertion that homosexuality is not 'natural' is entirely incorrect as it is something that does happen naturally.

My Opinion - Well in Closing, I'll comment I did take a gay history course offered by the Communty 519 centre in Toronto, and a Sexuality course in College. Think what you want about the GLBT community but their are many differences today more so then there were 10 years ago, there have been many strives for equal rights in Canada and so far equal marrage is a good one because it means that I'll have the same rights as everyone else when I do decided to marry.

I know for many people a topic like this can make some people angry, upset or squeemish, but reality is everyone is entitled to their opinion no matter how misguided it might be, but it's their right as it is for me to write this, Thank you.