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Mike's avatar

They look bothered, humid, almost uniformly as if they'd prefer to be elsewhere but felt obligated. We can hardly expect a joyous resistance at this point sadly, how much resistance have people even got left?

I think the work shows itself as truth. The world is tired, maybe the youth can still save us.

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Art Alexion's avatar

I was going to leave a comment, but you said it all

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Michael George's avatar

With corporations being cowards and taking all of their funding out of Pride & DEI, mixed with the political climate, and the main Pride March becoming a symbol of rainbow capitalism anyway, this doesn't surprise me. Pride is supposed to be a protest and the real good feels & positivity were 3 avenues over at the Queer Liberation March–The anti-Pride march if you will, which is political, well organized, and standing up for the rights that are being taken away. I'd recommend you check it out next year!

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Simon Brooks's avatar

Saddens me. I wonder if it was because of everything that is going on. I have felt all over the place these passed weeks and I have heard and spoken with others who feel the same. Great shots.

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David Blakeman's avatar

I noticed a vibe shift at SF and PHX Pride in the last 2-3 years too. Not sure what it is, but things feel less celebratory.

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Linda Blatnik's avatar

Thanks for these and your observations. Signs of the times.

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Susannah Breslin's avatar

I heart shirt one is great.

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Rocket Master Man's avatar

What we shoot, and when we click the shutter, is as much about US as THEM.

You were hot and tired, they were hot and tired, and yet, you still captured great images.

Hey, you are human. You shot what you felt. Despite "not feeling it" that day, you made images. 2000 of them.

I can only assume the LGBQT community is well aware of their president and roughly 40% of the country gunning for them. It can't make them feel very good. Throw in a crazy hot humid day in the concrete jungle, and it is a whole bunch of nerves on edge.

I love your stories. They are great as the images.

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Kerry Lynn Shea's avatar

TRUMP’s despicable “antics” r decimating EQUALITY 🥵. Thanks 4 sharing your incredible photos (some of which describe people “acting out”). U captured current “flavors” as their rights r in jeopardy 🍀☮️🙏.

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Howard Sherman's avatar

I channeled you in a small way by picking a theme for the parade (as you’ve mentioned you sometimes do) and trying to follow it as I shot. It was “defiance.” I didn’t find much of what I’d consider defiant nor anything else that held together.

I did capture some wonderful moments of affection and solidarity. I’ve been attending the parade for years and was struck by the smaller crowds and low energy. What I did notice was a security presence like I’ve rarely seen. For example, all cross streets into the parade route were blocked by large sanitation department vehicles, police vehicles and massive concrete blocks that would prevent vehicles from driving onto the sidewalk. You couldn’t see Zohran Mamdani behind the army of security he had surrounding him as he marched. They wouldn’t let him anywhere near the crowds.

Maybe people were just more fearful this year - and with good reason.

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Riot Grrl's avatar

LGB without the T and the furries and all the hideous pervs... if only.

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Darin's avatar

A feast, during the plague? Geeze!

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Brian Edsall's avatar

It's interesting that you observed how this year's Pride celebration felt off. This was the first year I decided to photograph Pride, and I was underwhelmed. It could have been the heat or our political climate, or a combination of both, but the energy in the air felt flat. I stayed mostly near Washington Square Park, and I also noticed the long, awkward gaps during the parade. The gap was so long at one point that I thought I had arrived too late and missed the main procession. I felt like the crowd was looking for hope and inspiration.

I saw someone in the comments make mention of the Queer Liberation March, which I will certainly check out next year.

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philip k sutton's avatar

Oh dear Dina - I understand. When I shoot parades now, here in Australia, I often return feeling dirty and somehow compromised. This looked like a scene of total debauchery - reminiscent of Sodom and Gomorrah.

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Crimson's avatar

Pride embraced porn that was a bad mistake

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Leo Mascaro 📸 ⚡️'s avatar

Even without enjoying it, you still managed to capture some great shots!

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Shakil Ahmed's avatar

Good job!!

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