I do think that the remarkable advances in LGBT rights in the US since the advent of Pride/Freedom/etc. marches (and in part thanks to them) does raise some interesting questions about what the purpose of such events is today. For many it’s an opportunity to have fun, dress up and flaunt their fabulousness–or dress down and flaunt their sexuality. For others it’s a chance to show how “normal” they are. For still others it’s a chance to shop.

Certainly in a place like Latvia where gay life is much less publicly visible and less accepted the importance of a march like this is enormous, and the purpose is much clearer.

What I actually found interesting in the pictures is how many of the participants weren’t Latvian, and this jibes with the quote from the Latvian guy who was too scared to attend. There seemed to be a significant number of people carrying signs or flags indicating they were from different countries. It’s inspiring to see international awareness and solidarity like this and I’m sure it’s very much appreciated by Latvian LGBTs.

Frankly, I think it’ll be a great thing when the Latvian Pride parade develops (or devolves) into something like the typical US version where drag queens, butch dykes, twinks in hot shorts and lesbian soccer moms rub elbows and complain to each other about how the lines for the toilets are.