This year, the gay parade in the Distrito Federal will be different. No queens and no kings showing off their dresses on a stage. Neither no ambassadors, nor sponsors targeting the gay community. The motto is Dignity and Pride.
Over the years, many political groups, and participants as well, have complained about the exaggerated festiveness of the parade. From their perspective, much of the political meaning of this act has disappeared–transforming it into a carnival where enterprises with mischievous intentions find the best chance to place their products in the largest GLBT community of Mexico.
To outline some of the context, the critics appear in a year of midterm congressional elections, when some Mexicans have joined to the voto nulo movement. This pacific protest promotes to deliberately render the ballots, and show how angry the citizens are with the corruption that poisons the Mexican government. At the same time, less than a month ago Agustín Estrada Negrete was subject of a major expression of homophobia from the government of the State of Mexico, which is a clear example of how the political system is rotten to its core. In this regard, only Enoé Uranga, one of the two openly-gay females candidates, has supported Estrada so far (the other is Lol Kin Castañeda).
So, this parade will probably show if modesty and solemnity are useful political weapons. If you want more information about all the ups and downs of the organization, check out directly with Red Orgullo 31, the group in charge of the logistics.
Gay Parade in Mexico City. Saturday, June 20th, 11 a.m., from the Ángel de la Independencia on Reforma Av. to Centro Histórico. At 3 p.m. there will be a political public statement and some live music.
Do you have any confirmation of the dates for Pride 2010? I am reading on the internet that it is tentatively scheduled for June 26. I would love to buy my airline tickets now while the prices are low. Thanks for any info!