Next Year in Jerusalem!

[eumelia]

Because 19 Palestinians were killed earlier this week in Gaza, the organizers of the Pride March decided to just have the rally that was supposed to happen after the march, which was something and so it wasn’t cancelled completely.

So I was picked up by Kali and his friends at quarter to nine in the morning and we were off and a funny ride it was, as it’s wont to be with four gay men and one queer chick, it was fun. The driver brought a nice little pride flag which I carried around with me the entire time.
Even before we got to the Hebrew University Stadium where the Pride Rally was being held I was photographed seeing as I look queer dressed all in black and the shaved head, I was even told to wave the flag for the camera.
Funny stuff.

The police were very impressive in their presence; they even had a mounted policeman and many, many bomb squad men, not to mention Magavnikim! I felt very “secure” walking there. I wasn’t checked too much in the entrance seeing as I’m a very short, kind of slim looking girl they didn’t think I was any threat to anyone I suppose, Kali said I give an aura of menace (I don’t know what he’s talking about) and that I just look “proud” which is a silly euphemism for lesbian.

I met with djvande which was nice, we stuck together most of the time. There were lots of booths for a few of the Israeli political parties, I was happy to see Meretz there and grudgingly accepted Chadash even though I have little love for those fanatic communists. Amnesty International had a booth, as did The Association of Rape Crisis Centres in Israel.
I bought an AIDS awareness bracelet from the AIDS awareness booth and a hat with a little rainbow on it, since I forgot to bring a hat with me from home, it was good but since I got a little burnt on my face and if I hadn’t had the hat I would have looked like a boiled lobster!

Kali, his friends and I found some seats at in the Stadium and heard some classic gay music, they had “It’s raining men” and “we are family”, such stereotypical BS in many ways and the opening act was a lip synching Drag Diva, she was excellent. During the show some guy who managed to get through security decided to cause trouble the police did things very, very well he was taken and dragged to a police car with hardly any fuss at all. The crowed cheered and the photographers were like vultures on a dead body surrounding the police and the arrested gut.
As I said pretty impressive.
I was photographed again.
I must look very photogenic.

Then a few people spoke, Ha’Dag Nachash performed which was great, I met up with tamara_russo and Varda with whom I really must speak some more, I danced, I sang and had a great time.

Some people decided to have an illegal pride march, some people I knew were there, and they were arrested and are now fine, I thank them for doing what they did, even though I don’t think I would have joined them if I had had the chance.

I left the event at around two o’clock P.M, when things began to die down. I got home very satisfied and happy I went.

I’m also very proud of my parents who in their own supported me in going and to everyone who was there and to everyone who was there in spirit as I know many who were.

Next year my friends I’ll be there again and next time there will be a parade!!!

Next year in Jerusalem!!!

And congrats to hagar_972, you got guts girl and I’m very, very proud of you!

Comments

[zazuomgwtf.livejournal.com]

sounds like a fun time.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

It was more than fun, it was quite exilirating, not to mention that my whole family asked me how it was, and called throughout the day to make sure I was okay.

[zazuomgwtf.livejournal.com]

well we are finally on the public agenda.

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

Thing is... I don't know if we're going to be an actual "agenda" now, because now we've had our day and that's it, nobody's going to talk about it anymore.

That's what I', worried about.

[zazuomgwtf.livejournal.com]

well I hope the open house folk will find a way to keep it up.

[richmondhillgal.livejournal.com]

I'm so glad you had a good time and made it through safely! You all showed up and that is celebration enough. You had a parade of sorts. I'm so proud of you!!!

[eumelia.livejournal.com]

Thank you!
It was really great, and I'm happy I went!

[rynzi.livejournal.com]

I saw the link on it'scalledpride and decided to read what happened after i heard about it on the news. I'm glad it turned out great! Hope next year is also as good with no bad inccedents.

[aesiron.livejournal.com]

I'm glad you got to experience it. Sounds like it was a good time.

[lifeofresearch.livejournal.com]

Normally, I would not have checked the news on this issue. Note: I have attended Pride Parades before. Since I know you on-line, I was very interested. I am glad it was a good experience for you. Thank you for the update because I was concerned about your safety.

[angeleyes1701.livejournal.com]

I bought shoes. And a bag. And felt really crappy about not going. Next year.

[antongarou.livejournal.com]

I was there too, a shame I missed you in there, but it was nice.