Pride 2006: Now a Market, Not a MovementAllen Whitebyline‚ Jul. 13‚ 2006“Pride 2006 was a week to remember,” said Bay Area Reporter columnist Mister Marcus. He has seen, participated and reported on most, if not all, 36 San Francisco gay parades. “Thanks to all of you who volunteered, worked your butts off and made a proud showing. You were never lovelier!” Indeed, it was volunteers, not money which made the event, last June 24 and 25, memorable. In fact, the near, if not more than, million dollar “Pride” corporation budget is used to fuel a market not a movement. After salaries, the big money goes to erecting a huge chain link fence to surround Civic Center and other costs to further successful product positioning. Corporate fluffing never ceases. The live parade telecast was over at 12:30, freezing out almost half the participants. Corporate interests are in. Possibly offensive contingents, including Mister Marcus, and most San Francisco openly gay elected officials were out. |