“It’s not for them.” The words fester in my ears. When I asked about the consistent exclusion of people of color and transgender persons in the Dallas Pride parade and festival, a prominent gay citizen made it plain for me. While I was very aware that the entire event is marketed to wealthy white people and their allies, I couldn’t believe that two of the most oppressed groups of people in our city were dismissed with four simple words. Perhaps, most others wouldn’t forget their gentility and decide to be a little less blunt. Regardless, the exclusion of a variety of groups and identities in the parade and festival is consistently glaring. To that end, the danger of Dallas Pride is the solidification of normative excuses and prejudices. “It’s not for them” sounds like the language of the oppressor not the oppressed. Liberation that is only available to some is not liberation.
Amen.
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