Porn parade

That's what the Pride Parade has become over the years.  Sadly, even if I were to wish to, I could not take my grandchildren to this parade to celebrate the life of my late brother, John Alexander Griffith, who committed suicide in 1982 at age 33 because he was gay and could not come out.  I could not take them because a parade of almost-naked, gyrating men and women is inappropriate for children -- and that includes the ones participating with parents.  

Commenting on a page-one photo of the parade in 'The Globe and Mail', I wrote this letter.  Naturally, it did not get in:

_______________________

Dear Editor,

 My brother committed suicide in 1982 at age 32 because he was gay and felt he could not come out.  I would dearly love to explain the whole of his life to my young grandchildren and take them to the parade to remember their great-uncle, but I cannot because the parade is now more porn than pride.

 My brother was many things and being gay was not the thing that defined him.  He was a loving brother, son, uncle, friend and dedicated public servant.  That’s how I want his family to remember him, but I fear that taking my grandkids to a parade of people gyrating in skimpy and revealing outfits would not be a true depiction of who this wonderful man was.

 Obviously, I am an enthusiastic supporter of the pride movement.  It’s too bad I can’t share it with a couple of little ones who could learn a lot.

_____________________________

I think it's too bad that the parade has been reduced to a celebration of gay porn.  As you know, I am no prude, but it cheapens the whole event, in my view.  However, you could have predicted 'The Globe' would not publish it, judging from the banishment of police from the parade that keeps recurring.  They claim to be inclusive, but not if it might contain a little criticism here and there.  Our way or the Highway.  

Speaking of 'The Globe and Mail', Lawrence Martin's column on Trump today contained the word "weaved".  Shouldn't have shocked me, but it did.