Three cheers for gay pride!

I may be a little bit late on this one, given that the NYC Gay Pride Parade was nearly three weeks ago, but I have to say that this year's parade was kind of a watershed moment for me.  And to think - I really didn't want to go.

Now that is my kind of flag!

About a month before the parade, Peter suggested that we not only attend, but walk with his company.  I was a bit surprised - in the almost seven years Peter and I have been together, we have only been to the parade together twice.  For some reason he was really jazzed up about going this year, which surprised me.  They were even providing matching shirts (which really didn't sweeten the pot, to be honest...and for someone who likes things that are free, that is saying a lot).  Imagine it, hiking to the city with a 20 month old, standing around while we wait for our turn to enter the parade cue, and then walking block after block in the hot sun with an irritable toddler.  Not really my idea of a great weekend.  I tried to hide my dismay (which apparently I suck at, according to Peter) but agreed to go.

And I am so glad I did.

Sure, we had to stand around for a long time.  And it was warm, although thankfully there was nice cloud cover and a cool breeze.  And of course the crowd was buoyed by the excitement of New York passing the gay marriage bill just a few days before (thank you, guv'nor).  Someone even got engaged in the parade just behind us (one of many, I expect).

That wasn't the high point for me - it was the reaction that Peanut got from the crowd.  People were freaking out over her (I will admit, she is damn cute), waving, smiling, cooing...it was AMAZING.  As we turned the corner at Washington Square Park, even the drag queens were calling out to her.  Maybe I personalize it too much - but it felt like people were cheering for her - and for us.  Never before have I felt such broad approval of my lifestyle choices.  For a person whose family and identity is constantly ridiculed and insulted by people the world over, it felt great to experience total acceptance and celebration.

Peanut's new favorite activity is walking around the house with her mini pride flag, pretending to wave at the throngs of onlookers watching her pass.  Clearly, the attention she got at the parade has gone straight to her head.  Next stop - Toddlers and Tiara?  (god forbid).