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Gay pride, retro style!
I have a confession to make: I’ve never been to a single gay pride event. And, due to my being in elementary school at the time, I never got to truly take advantage of living in the 80s, in all their gnarly, neon-colored glory. But luckily for people like me, AfterElton reader Alan Light was kind (and brave) enough to share his extensive collection of photos of Los Angeles Pride from that period (the years 1987 , '88, '90, '91, '93, and '95 to be specific) and they're fabulous. If these photos teach us anything, it's that even gay men were not immune to terrible 80s fashion. Judging from these photos, the official uniform of gay pride was moussed hair, short shorts, and a fanny pack. I wonder if it says something about our culture that while the look of the spectators has evolved over the years, the parade itself hasn't changed a bit. We've included a few more choice snaps after the break.
Submitted by on Mon, 2007-11-19 10:49. |
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cool pix
Those are some amazing photos. What a great time machine. As for the "terrible 80s fashion" don't be so hard on 'em, Adam. 20 years from now people will be making fun of the "terrible 2007 fashion." Styles change. They will make fun of us someday just the same!! I like the 80s look (I hope tight pants and short shorts come back soon!) and also the 80s music (the movie Edge Of Seventeen has terrific 80s music).
These photos bring back
some poignant memories for me. My first pride parade was in Toronto in 1987. I marched which was great fun and certainly gave you a different perspective on the event. Unfortunately some of the people I interacted with that pride are no longer around due to AIDS.
I agree with Phil Heffley regarding fashion. Twenty years from now twenty something trendoids will be laughing at young people of today for their fashion sense, just the way it is.
Cheers
JBE