Whidbey had its first Queer Pride Parade last Sunday in Langley. While there were a lot of different folks - some dressed in drag, some in sequins, some in outlandish costumes of one sort or another - what really struck me was that on Whidbey, we don’t seem to care who someone is or how they want to dress….as long as they are nice people and enjoy being part of our community.
The parade honored anyone who wanted to take part, as a participant or on the sidelines cheering each person who went by. I loved many of the signs. One of my favorites was “Straight but not narrow.” I saw the word “Love” on many signs, including simply “Love and appreciation.” Even animals were represented, as an animal rights group proclaimed: “Love is endless; Embrace all beings; harm no one.”
Even though the last comment applied to animals, I think it fairly represented the mood of the entire parade…and, our attitudes toward each other on Whidbey.
(David Welton's photos of the event are posted on Whidbey Life Magazine.)