From: Andy F. Visser-deVries cswa@interlog.com
Date: Thu, 10 Jul 1997 22:53:01 -0400
Subject: Nudity in Pride Parade

Dear TNT!MEN Newsletter Editor:

As a member of TNT!MEN, I would like to voice my strong support for the 10 marchers who walked nude in the recent Lesbian and Gay Pride Parade on Sunday June 29, 1997. Much ado about nothing - literally - has been made in the press first by the Toronto Sun, and the CBC, with the assistance of some uptight police sergeant, and most recently by NOW magazine.

First, let me say that I would recommend to the board of TNT!MEN that they appoint the police sergeant (who's name escapes me for the moment) to our publicity committee. From a public relations perspective, I would say all the media attention TNT!MEN has received as a result of this concerned officer is worth about $250,000 in terms of advertising dollars. If he does not want to sit on the committee (offer him the position of chair), then the least TNT!MEN could do is offer him a free membership for his troubles.

Second, let me congratulate the 10 or so marchers for having balls. While your actions have created "a ripple of dissent within the community" according to NOW magazine, the fact of the matter is that public nudity is now being debated by people from all walks of life, and you have helped contribute to raising the level of awareness concerning nudity among Ontarians as a result.

I have spoken personally with a number of people who have voiced their concern about the apparent inappropriate behaviour of the marchers, based on concern for the children watching the parade or otherwise insisting it shows a lack of respect for the "Pride" Committee (quotation marks intentional).

As for the children, it would seem to me that they themselves are generally more comfortable with their naked bodies at a younger more innocent age and it is the older generation who teach these very children that nudity is something to be uncomfortable about. Secondly, the meaning of the word "parade", according to the Webster dictionary, implies a "pompous show, of spectacle". These same concerned people forget that a parade is not everyday life - it is intended as a celebration, and as such people should have the ability to celebrate according to their good conscience - even if the "Pride" Committee deems certain behaviour inappropriate. What would the Mardi Gras in New Orleans come to if the 1997 "Pride" Committee were in charge? I would hate to imagine!

Congratulations once again TNT!MEN!

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