Spectacle

[flexibeast]

Now that almost a week has past since the annual Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras, it's probably okay for me to admit to something: i have absolutely no interest in participating in, or observing, said Mardi Gras.

i realise this is a rather heretical position for a queer to take, so i'll elaborate.

It's true that, as an introvert, big, noisy events such as the SGLMG are not particularly attractive to me in any case. But whereas i can nevertheless imagine myself participating in a variety of other big, noisy events - spending New Year's Eve in the CBD, watching an ODI at the MCG, attending a Tori Amos concert, and so on, the SGLMG is a different matter:

• i may be wrong in this, but the SGLMG very much gives the impression that it's about appearance, rather than essence, or style rather than substance - and i very much prioritise substance over style. (Oh, but i forgot; we all know that being queer means being fabulously well-dressed! :-P ) The question may then fairly be asked whether i think SGMLG participants are shallow people who prioritise style over substance. To which i would say: No; although at least some participants may be like that, i personally know people who participate who are not like that. But nevertheless, that does not change the overall impression i get of SGMLG in this regard.


• The SGLMG also gives me the impression that it's a freak show for heteronormative society: "Look at the weirdo queers!" they say from the sidelines, before they retreat back to their het worlds and provide their support to political parties with queerphobic policies (e.g. against same-sex marriage). i say this because, whereas other Carnivale-like events - e.g. the New Orleans Mardi Gras - involve society as a whole "letting its hair down", the SGLMG involves queers celebrating whilst heteronormative society watches. And whereas the Victorian Pride March also involves heteronormative society watching a queer parade, i feel it's far less about spectacle and more about political statement (even though SGLMG also has implicit and explicit political elements, and the VPM also has elements of spectacle).


• Finally, and further to the spectacle thing, the SGLMG comes across as one of the many queer events based around challenging heteronormativity through performance art, my feelings about which i've commented on before. And to be honest, i feel that i already provide a challenge heteronormativity most days of the year - my transgender identity usually challenges people's ideas about gender and the gender dichotomy of Western society.

So the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras is not for me. Please direct any flames to /dev/null :-)
 

Comments

[superbbluewren.livejournal.com]

I agree with you mostly. The media focusses on the style, and it is certainly there. However, that does create the impression that it is "a freak show for heteronormative society". At the same time, there are many community organisations such as PFLAG that participate in a more low key way. They do not receive the media coverage.

It is overblown, and I prefer the more subdued but more genuine and friendly atmosphere of the Melbourne Pride Parade which I was in last year. Big noisy events are not particularly attractive to me, and I was nearly mental from spending the last two hours in the marshalling area subjected to over-amplified music on every side.

The parade is style over substance, in a way that is typically Sydney. However, each year I get a buzz from walking up Oxford Street. The marshalls work to get the crowd cheering. It is all orchestrated - another aspect of style over substance. But it is still good to feel all that positive energy even if it is somewhat artificially stimulated.

I would like to see other celebrations during the year, celebrations that each have a different focus. I have had in mind that a national 'coming out day' would be good. That could focus more directly on the positive aspects of our community and of coming out, in particular.

[porcineflight.livejournal.com]

To each their own... which is all good about diversity. It can also be quite a long ordeal, which isn't necessarily easy if you have health issues, unless you make specific efforts to do so (such as being able to sit on a truck etc).

Tha said, I have been to Mardigras before and had a great time. It is fun to be "fabulous", and to be the centre of attention (it is for those with an extroverted side). That said, I haven't particularly motivated myself to go for quite a few years.

There are some benefits, ie floats like the Bi float and the Bears and Westies etc that show the diversity of the community, although you have a point that the attention goes to the expensive glamourous and "professionally produced" floats.

I enjoyed being on a bi float thereby raising some awareness.

It is largely Sydney event, and you do have the Sydney culture to deal with, which is different to that of others. As there are greater numbers, it segregates to more rigid sub-groups. But again, if you don't fit the norm, you can display your difference.

There are less "glam" events to attend if the spectacle is not your scene, such as Fair Day.

I like going to Brisbane Pride March and Fair probably for similar reasons you like Melbourne Pride. Besides, I can always try and avoid the "undesirables" and hang out with my friends.

End disjointed rant... Did I mention I am feeling sickly?