THIS IS WORK IN PROGRESS.

In August 2002, I participated in the Reykjavik Gay Pride Parade. Gay Pride is usually held in memory of the Stonewall riots in New York in the 1970s, when police charged into gay clubs on the birthday/deathday of gay icon, Judy Garland. For the first time in history, gays defended themselves, refusing to let the police in and refusing to identify themselves - by this time, being gay had mostly ceased being illegal - and what the police were doing was somewhat of a nasty hobby for them, but also harassment and illegal.

This year, the theme in Reykjavik was 'Gay All Over' ? and there were some 20-25 floats participating. Some were groups of people, such as the parents of gays and lesbians, 'Bear' groups and community groups, whereas others held 'drag queens' par excellance in all their glory.

So what's the big deal, you may ask. Simple, I´m straight. Now I´m not doubting that many people have supported their friends, family or the human rights issues inherent in these festivities. This is all good and more people should do the same, for a variety of causes.

What I did was different. I was in the last float, driving a small van/lorry/pickup, with four lesbians dressed as nuns standing in the back, dancing to the music from Sister Act, generally having a good time. I myself was dressed somewhat like a 'butch' lesbian, with a nice doggy collar around my throat and a similar bracelet around my wrist.

Reykjavik is a very small city, with approx. 120 000 inhabitants. Iceland itself is also not very densely populated and participating in something like this guarantees that someone you know will see you. Then tongues will start wagging about you and your life.