Welcome to the new readers and the return followers of the Vamos Colombia Tour blog!
I must tell you that I was amazed, impressed and very proud of the work that my fellow Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender (LGBT) friends are doing in Bogota, Colombia.
AL ROSA VIVO
The theme of the Pride parade was: “Discrimination based on sexual orientation and sexual identity is not a game. We come from a family and we are a family.”
The public events took place over a period of several days, culminating in the Sunday Pride Parade (June 28, 2009).
I also was able to attend several events such as:
The Supervisor of Chapinero (the LGBT neighborhood in Bogota) is Blanca Ines Duran (pictured here with Walter Rey). She is an out and proud lesbian who is organizing our community at different levels. She has been in this position for a year and she presented her report to the community in a very creative way. She used one of the biggest gay club of
The place was packed and she informed us of the several campaigns for the Chapinero area, ranging from the reduction of noise, the campaign against parking violation, to education of the community and police on respect and behavior toward LGBT people. She also clearly made a point of including everyone, gay men, lesbians, transgender, and straight – noting that we all are working together for a better world. From what I have seen, she is doing a great job!
The Chapinero area also had a big stage in the center of he district, at a well known public park called “the park of the Hippies.” They presented shows during the three nights prior to the parade.
Some of them were informative, educational or just fun. They had a runway show were 8 designers were participating for best design outfits for the transsexual community. The outfits looked great at the fashion show (as did the transgendered models). They had a DJ contest, as well as the participation of several groups such as the gay radio station of
The parade itself went down the principle boulevard of Seventh Avenue (Carrera Septima) for about 30 blocks. (From Parque Nacional to Plaza Bolivar in the Candelaria district). At the end in the heart of the histric old city and downtown there was another big stage was welcoming all to celebrate.
There were several floats and a great turn out of people. We all marched with pride. What it was different at this pride event from others in the world is the energy of the people. Having been to several gay pride parades in the world (including such welcoming places as San Francisco, New York, Sydney and Vancouver), I can say that I had never seem such strong energy and pride among the participants. I was very happy to be a part of it and by my presence add a little grain to it.
Still it is interesting that most of the people on the parade were young as many of the over-40 community were out of the city for the long weekend holiday (which coincided with the event) or just were not comfortable in the public environment.
The closet doors are heavy but slowly opening. I believe that is why is so important that everyone who is able (that means you!) can join us in future parades. Just being present sends an important message to the LGBT community and the city and country of Colombia and a whole. The mainstream press is starting to get the message and change is swiftly on the move in Colombia!
Vamos Colombia Tour continues to promote Colombia as a Gay and Lesbian travel destination and we would like you to join us. Currently we are preparing the 2010 calendar – it is sure to include nest year’s gay pride. If you would like a change from your local gay pride celebration, or perhaps would like to experience gay pride in a location where it is truly making a difference, then join us!
More pictures can also be found at:
http://vamoscolombiatour.blogspot.com/2009/07/more-pictures-from-bogota-gay-pride.html
and
http://vamoscolombiatour.blogspot.com/2009/07/bogota-gay-pride-parade-2009-exceeds.html
Colombia and Bogota are the new kids on the block in gay travel. Find out why everyone who goes has an unforgettable time!
Vamos Colombia Tour
check us out on the web: www.VamosColombiaTour.com
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