So, my cousin and her girlfriend messaged me to invite me to come stay with them in Brooklyn and go with them to NYC Pride. I really want to go but I'm dealthy afraid. Here's why: - I don't do well in crowds - I'm really shy/socially awkward with strangers - I won't know anyone other than my cousin and always hate that third wheel feeling - I'm out but I've never been in a situation where I'm OUT OUT, you know? - I once went to a gay bar in NYC and got hit on by girls and was SOOO intimidated and felt really shitty about myself because I was completely out of my comfort zone. So I'm worried this would be that situation x100. On the other hand, I feel like I shouldn't pass up the opportunity... What would y'all do?
Its very simple. You need to make yourself VULNERABLE and GO!!!!!! You can come up with all the excuses you want not to go. But after going, the rush of confidence you feel will be AMAZING!!! You do not need to be social, you do not need to mingle with people, you can simply go and absorb it all in. GO GO GO GO GO GO GO!!!!!!
this, I don't do well in crowds either, but I made myself go 3 years ago and now I schedule for it. just soak it all in and if you feel like chatting do so, or not. it's all good.
Go. Be still in the midst of a crowd if you need to. People around you will understand. That's the magic I discovered at Pride last year; my first, and definitely not my last.
I went last year for the first time. A friend invited me along with some of her friends. I too don't like large crowds and tend to be shy around new people. I had a blast! We found a spot towards the very end of the parade that wasn't too crowded and got there early. We hung out until we had enough and then my friend and I broke off from the group and just went for lunch. I definitely want to go again this year. Everybody is in great spirits during it and generally happy to be there. It is an experience for sure and it feels more about community than it does about being seen/hit on/etc. Definitely not the same as going to a bar. (In other words, you should go!)
Here I am a world away and all I can say is Go Go Go...just be there, no expectations, let the stuff just fall away as best you can, and go be there... Gosh if I could...so if not for you - then go me - for us for everyone - who wants too ... Im watching out for Gay Pride day here where I live and I'm going to go... and when I do I'll think of you... its time Because you can....like dear Robin said 'Seize the day'
You should go. It's so popular that its become a city event, not just a gay event. One advantage of our heightened security environment is that its very easy to get away from the crowds.
Ok I definitely want to go! Now my cousin isn't answering so if plane ticket prices rise I might not be able to, but thank you all for the support!
Like others I say Go Go Go! On the 4 things above for me I had some similar feelings to you before going to my first pride (note for me it was not NYC but another city) : - I too was hesitant of crowds - I'm sorta shy and socially awkward - I would know no-one there (ie:be going by myself) - I'm not out. The results: - Once there I had zero fear of the crowd! And infact even felt like I fit in there (pretty amazing feeling). Crowds don't bother me anymore. - Won't deny it, I'm still sorta shy and socially awkward (those are things that are unchangeable .lol.) but simply being there it wasn't an issue. Nobody tried to talk to me me or anything, I was just another dull/boring face that didn't stand out from the crowd. - No I didn't know anyone there, I did infact go by myself - No change. ....Oh since I enjoyed going so much, counting that first time, I've went 6 years in a row - always by myself. (and if I go this year it'd be 7)
Thank you all for the great advice! Turns out my cousin isn't answering my texts now LOL so I won't be going BUT thanks to your words, I definitely won't pass up the opportunity next time
It's funny cause I was thinking about this same topic today. My friend said, "I'm going to NYC and you're coming with me to the PRIDE PARADE!" She's coming from another state just to enjoy the parade. I've been feeling weird about it, only because I'm feeling really conflicted about it. I also believe it defeats the purpose of what I'm feeling. I don't feel proud, sadly, :icon_sad: so It feels like an oxymoron since I'm not proud about my situation so going to the gay pride parade feels odd. I also know that I'd like it, but at the same time... I'd feel weird. I mean... Who knows... maybe I'd find a beautiful girl at the parade... but... that's a long shot. lol
