Gay Pride: when activism turns into big business
Gay Pride has shifted from activism to a major tourism business: hotels, bars and shops profit while its original spirit fades away.
English · Original discussion in Spanish · Published
Lgtb Pride: the party that became a big business
The paradox of Lgtb Pride is that, as legal rights have been equalized, the original demonstration has given way to a major tourism event. In twenty years, the community has gone from demanding rights to headlining a celebration that fills hotels and bars, with an economic impact comparable to Easter processions or the San Fermin festival.
Over time, criticism has gained ground: if pride should be reserved for achievements, what sense does it make to take pride in a sensual orientation? This line of thinking holds that the legal battle has been won and that expressions of celebration should be more restrained. Beneath it lies another uncomfortable question: is Pride still a form of activism, or has it become just another product of event tourism?
The comparison with major festive events is not innocent. The same people who organize religious processions and Valencia's Fallas festival now run Pride, with a calendar of events that attracts national and international visitors. Bars, hotels and shops benefit, and the activist essence is diluted in colour and noise.
When all rights are recognized, what is left of pride? Perhaps the real question is different: how much of what we see in the streets is still an achievement, and how much is simply a business opportunity?
The paradox of Lgtb Pride is that, as legal rights have been equalized, the original demonstration has given way to a major tourism event. In twenty years, the community has gone from demanding rights to headlining a celebration that fills hotels and bars, with an economic impact comparable to Easter processions or the San Fermin festival.
Over time, criticism has gained ground: if pride should be reserved for achievements, what sense does it make to take pride in a sensual orientation? This line of thinking holds that the legal battle has been won and that expressions of celebration should be more restrained. Beneath it lies another uncomfortable question: is Pride still a form of activism, or has it become just another product of event tourism?
The comparison with major festive events is not innocent. The same people who organize religious processions and Valencia's Fallas festival now run Pride, with a calendar of events that attracts national and international visitors. Bars, hotels and shops benefit, and the activist essence is diluted in colour and noise.
When all rights are recognized, what is left of pride? Perhaps the real question is different: how much of what we see in the streets is still an achievement, and how much is simply a business opportunity?
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Summary of a discussion on Burbuja.info - Foro de economía, actualidad y política., translated from Spanish and reviewed before publication. Read the full discussion (22 replies).
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