Thanks, But No Thanks (June 3, 2016)

egend has it

At the end

Of the rainbow

We'll find

A pot of gold.

And yet

For many trans-people

The rainbow flag

Is a sign

Of oppression.

As

We're left behind

To scratch

Tooth and nail

For the most part.

By an indifferent

Gay and lesbian community

Who have won

Their legal rights

Already.

This is why

With a clear conscious

I'll have nothing

To do.

With Toronto's

Pride celebrations.

Devolving

Into an excuse

For hedonistic parties

Supporting corporate sponsors.

Forgetting

The true roots

Of Pride's existence:

To protect

Against injustice

And inequality.

Is it

Any wonder

Many trans-people

Have elected

To go stealth.

Instead of

Remaining visible

And fighting

The system.

Therisa © 2016

Author's note: This year marks the 35th year of Toronto, having Pride marches, which started, as a protest march, against the indiscriminate police raids, of gay bath houses. Over the years, it has grown, to include, the lesbian and trans-community, whether or not, the gay community want it.

Glossary of terms 

Stealth: going underground, denying your trans' roots, when you're totally passable, in your preferred gender.