Pride

So few.

That's the first thing that came to mind when I saw the end of the Pride March last weekend. It's deflating, to say the least. Here I was, expecting a big crowd, thinking about those Prides I see only on shows like QAF and wishing it's the same here.

I don't know why, but for me, it was a bit disappointing. Not that I wanted everyone to be there (my closest friends bailed out the last minute, with petty excuses that does not even include the weather), but at least I expected more. Well, i had to make the most of it and do what I came here to do (what's left of it) - to shoot pictures of Pride.

My photographs reflected my mood - unsuccessfully capturing the air of the celebration is an understatement. It does not help that as much as most people are looking at some attendees with the interest similar what expectators have on the circus or the zoo, I cannot shake the feeling that I myself am the subject of sharp eyes and wandering minds - what the hell is this guy doing with this group - and the looks are mostly coming from the marchers themselves!

I looked completely out of place, jeans and tanks as straight as an arrow, camera on hand, look of detachment pasted on my face all the time. I could have worn some shirt that says "PRESS" and I'd been almost invisible (almost, because there's not much press around). But that totally negates the point, doesn't it?

I felt out of place. But I stayed anyway.

Here are some scenes of my first ever attendance to a Pride Parade. I hope next time the turnout will be bigger, colorful enough to make the rainbow standout. I hope next time my friends will come. I hope there will be a next time.