Saddened by fights at the parade
During the Alan Ross Texas Freedom Parade, I was on the Melrose lawn and several fights among a young "under 30" crowd of lesbians broke out. One girl was knocked out cold and they had to take her off in an ambulance.
Later they were even burning the clothes that one of the girls was wearing. Still later a young "punk" was trying to take on a guy who was merely trying to hear both sides of the story.
It was the worst display of "unity" I have ever seen in my life. We were supposed to be there to love one another, but we actually had to leave early because another fight was about to break out.
I think the younger generation needs to step back and see what our forefathers/mothers have gone through so that we are able to sit back and relax and enjoy a wonderful thing like a "Freedom Parade." It saddened me to see such a display.
They were so drunk three of them could not even stand up. It was shameful. I remember we got drunk, but we always took care of each other instead of diminishing each other.
I just had to say something; it’s in me to speak up. I broke one of the fights up just because that’s what I do when I see trouble.
But I urge the younger LGBT community to look within itself for peace and unity. We did not get here through fistfighting among ourselves.
Please, I beg of you, think before you react. You are a representation of all of us, not just yourself.
Kevin D. Spivey
Dallas
A lesson in social skills
Just a question for the Dallas Voice: Why did ilume (the new complex on Cedar Springs ) find it neccesary to block access to the entire block between Douglas Avenue and Knight Street for parade watchers?
I found it offensive and quiet presumptuous of the staff of ilume to block access to Oak Lawn residents and parade watchers who were trying to use a city sidewalk.
The complex may be new and stylish, but they need a course in social skills. Money may buy a new residence on the strip, but it does not buy class.
George Castro
Dallas
Buddies article a ‘living history’
The article about the life and times of Buddies, its owners and patrons was local journalism at its best ("Buddies is closing and an era is ending," Dallas Voice, Sept. 18).
I havenever been to this establishment or met any of the women profiled. Yet as I read their stories, I was struck by the depth of feeling they shared and the true loss that is about to come Sept. 27. This is a testament to their openness and the Dallas Voice for weaving together their accounts into a meaningful whole.
Everymajor city has a GLBT newspaper or weekly magazine but few have this depth of talent.What could be viewed as a story about a bar closingwascrafted into"living history" as told by those who lived it.
The GLBT community is very fortunate to have a weekly as credible and smart as the Dallas Voice.
Robert Fahr
Dallas
This article appeared in the Dallas Voice print edition September 24, 2009.
RE: Saddened by Fights at the Parade
This is one of main reasons my partner and I don’t go to the bars on Cedar Springs any more. They cater to this “under 30” crowd. I hate to generalize, but most of them have no social skills or class. They can be very rude and quite haven’t grown up yet. They act like they are still in junior high.
I fear that the efforts of our forefathers/mothers are being squandered and that we may be in for a very rude awakening in this country if this group as well as the rest of the LGBT community don’t band together and work in unity instead of our petty squabbling and ostracizing each other through our little cliques based on appearances and social status. We may soon be losing what we’ve fought so hard for. As a result, we’ll have no one to blame but ourselves.
Very well said Ron !!
I mean really, if our GLBT “Leadership” and “Mentors” are setting that kind of example everyday in the media and in our GLBT organizations for these under 30 folks to emulate, then its no wonder why they behave like that……
Change the current role models and leadership and then we may have a better chance of having a more united and civil younger generation in the GLBT community.
I too was standing on the sidewalk where the steps are to the melrose. I noticed all the people that looked underage who were drinking. I feel that these “kids” that are drinking underage and acting a fool should have been breathalyzed and received MIPS,MICs, and public intoxication. It was quite ridiculous with all the yelling and choas. I too saw the first fight play out. A blonde headed girl tried to grab a petite female and was hollaring obsentities. That’s when the petite girls friend pushed the blonde headed girl back to protect her friend. There was lots of hollering after that but the ones pushing split up. I thought it was over with, but that blonde girl grabbed the petite fem by her neck, it seemed as if she was trying to throw her down, but luckily a girl interviened. She grabbed the blonde girl to push her back then the blonde girl started swinging. It was a fight or flight moment and the girl who stood up for her friend fought. I have no mercy for this underage group. They polluted the melrose lawn and hopefully will have to find a new place to stand for next years pride. I later saw the blonde that started the fight at the park, then at sues where she was almost engaged in another fight! I would have gone home by that point, but then I saw her at S4 sobbing! These kids need to grow up and take fault for their actions. Quit polluting the strip with your narrow minds and agressive behavior.
This all happens due to the younger LGBT community all being fakes. They’re all “gay, lesbian, bisexual” because they think it’s the “cool” thing to do! Fights wouldn’t break out if people knew the true meaning of respect, other than just another excuse to get their names out by fighting, because once again, they think it’s the “cool” thing to do. Had people not gotten completely plastered and actually gone to the parade to stand up for what they truly believe in, none of that would have happened. Not only is it the younger generation, but the older generations as well! Everyone sits around, socially drinking and running their mouths rather than facing their attention on the actual reason for the gathering; THEIR FREEDOM RIGHTS!!!!!!!! Hello people, let’s be mature now! The past is the past, why hold on to anger only allowing it to build up and in the end cause you to lash out on your own community?!
There are two sides of the story but when it comes down to it I have proof of the truth. I have nothing else to say.
I completely agree that their is no respect with the “younger” generation. It’s like it’s all a game and they don’t take anyones emotions into consideration. It saddens me that we were all there to support each other. The Parade is over and done with, the fights are over and done with. Now hopefully everyone can learn from this and move on. Don’t place yourself in a situation if you feel you may lose control. It’s unattractive to not have control of oneself by being heavily intoxicated. I hope next year the police will be more involved not only at the parade front, but also in the crowds. I feel that if anyone even seems the slightest bit out of control that they need to be hauled off to the police station where they can sober up. Don’t ruin everyone else good time, because you can’t contain yourself around an ex or whatever that person is to you.
for the whole “under 30” crowd to be called fake and trying to “play” homosexual is ridiculous. and totally unfair. even if it is becoming more accepted we still deal with the same trials and tribulations at home, the work place, school, and in society as the older crowd. perhaps more.
I personally did not see the fight but was in front of Melrose. I don’t think we need to be focusing on the fight more then the fact that the “under 30 crowd” is getting bashed for it. I agree, it was immature but for everyone to go down for something two girls cannot civily work out is unfair. When people drink shit can get out of hand no matter HOW old you are. I was down by Kroger and saw several people get into an altercation involving the “over 30 crowd”. So honestly to blame the young generation at pride for getting a lil out of hand, look around and see what kind of role models are being provided. And to say we are lesbian, gay, or bi-sexual just for attention is uncalled for and unfair. We are human and have the same feelings and ability to love whomever, no matter how old you are. Just because some are new and just realizing this DOES NOT mean its for attention. Totally unfair. That’s judging us as many judge the whole LGBT community. Wheres the unity in that?!
I think all of you “girls” are in need of some serious therapy……….
Beginning to sound like Peyton Place here.
This was my first, and probably last pride to go to. My girlfriend, and I were in the crowd when the fight broke out.It was ridiculous, and SO SAD!! Control your selves!This is a a special occasion to celebrate OUR gay community.
So,IF YOU AREN’T of the Drinking age, or you dont know how to consume alcohol RESPONSIBLY.. THEN DONT! You obviously dont know how to control your selves!
There were numerous KIDS drunk on that lawn not able to hold their own heads up, throwing up everywhere,yelling,getting naked, and fighting. We are not uncivilized people.
We are still fighting for rights in this country, and acting out in public like this isnt getting us anywhere.
BAHAHAHHAHA
Can I just say thank you to all of the people posting comments on here. This is hilarious, it’s like a real life soap opera. You all just entertained me and my coworker for a good 30 minutes.
God bless the internet.
<3
OMGG (oh my gay god)
Maybe there are advantages to being older. I don’t memba nuthin bout beatin no lezbins durin gay pride.