After an impromptu discussion with a girlfriend on Thursday, we decided to have a watch the Stockholm Pride Parade on Saturday. Over 15 friends showed up for Indian snacks, köttbullar (thanks Ningning!), nachos, lordags godis, and plenty of alcohol.
The police closed off Hornsgatan around 13.00 and by 14.00 the parade rounded to our area on Hornsgatan.
Pride Theme for 2009 was Hetero; which explained why a hetersexual couple was kissing on the opening float. But I didn’t see many other straight people, but hell everyone looked the same, as in: dressed up, wearing a lot of makeup, and looking crazy.
Opening of the Parade
Marching for Those Who Can’t
This was the most disturbing float of the parade: a group carrying a coffin with the marchers wearing duct tape on their mouths. In a strange way, it was appropriate; we could never have a gay pride week if it wasn’t for the people who suffered to bring equality and civil rights to everyone. It reminded me of Matthew Shepard, a 19 year old boy, beaten and tied to a fence next to the highway for his “gayness.” And even the people of California who chose to repress the rights of gay citizens by barring marriage. Bizarre but a coffin opening the parade is a somber but appropriate way.
Swedish Political Parties Supports Gay Pride
All the major parties were out on the floats, except of course for Kristinademokrat (the Christian Party).
Center Party (Centerpartiet)
Moderate Party (nya Moderaterna)
Social Democrat (socialdemokratiska)
Folk Party (Folkpartiet liberalerna)
SL Stockholm City Transit Loves All
SL älskar all!
18th Century Fanfare
For an Open Workplace
För ett öppet arbetsliv från Unionen
Trannies in Red
Thai Transvestites
Military and the Police Represent
Girls in the Crowd
Clearly, if you missed the parade, you missed out on the wildest day of the year.
great photos! the coffin one is weird though…
Really amazing photos, your a natural!