Gay "Pride"?

Why I'm not proud of being gay, by Jesse Bering. A lucid text on why gay "pride" is not about pride at all. It's illogical to be proud about something one cannot choose and, like the author, I too defy the concept of a gay brotherhood or community, given that whether I feel attracted to penis or vagina has little effect on how I connect to people in nonsexual situations - which comprise most of my everyday life.

The pride in gay pride is not defined by the condition, given that homosexuality is not a choice - it is defined by the fight for civil rights. "Pride" is highlighted because not long ago being gay was something shameful and wrong, something to be repressed. Or hidden at best. The celebration of homoaffectiveness therefore counteracts this forced feeling of shamefulness, towards the ideal situation when there should be no need for shame or pride when it comes to sexuality.

The "pride" in gay pride is therefore an example of black-and-white thinking, the fallacy of the false dilemma. The motivation may be commendable, but pride is not the only thing that can replace shame. The march for gay pride is actually a march for self-esteem and self-respect.