Gay Games! Gay Games!
I played with Team Band on Tuesday at GAY GAMES 2006. It was quite an experience. More inspiring than I expected. It was fun, of course. It was also dreadfully hot here in the Windy City. Tuesday wasn't so bad, but Monday, when we had rehearsal in the Pritzker Pavillion (where we performed) it was hot hot hot and muggy. Yuck. I hate Chicago humidity. Anyway, we rehearsed Sunday, Monday and Tuesday. And performed at Millenium Park in the Pavilion on Tuesday evening.
At the performance, there were protestors. Yes, of course, because we gay people are the devil! and we're going to hell! and so what if we can play beautiful music.
The most interesting part of the experience was the realization that the GLBT bands of the world are mostly comprised of Gay men. Men, lots and lots of men. Not as many women, which was quite sad. B, from my band and I were the only women euphonium players.
Another memorable experience was the conversation I had with a fellow euphonium player who was sitting next to me in rehearsal. He's a bit crass, brash, thinks he's funny, etc. He first asked me "are you in the family?" I said yes. Then he said "so, you're not a breeder than, huh?" And I said no, but it really rubbed me the wrong way. First of all, I know many queer couples with children. So what does that mean?
He's probably in his late 30s early 40s, but still. I was really annoyed about the implications of that word, which I have thought of as being kind of old school. (unless you are Brian Kinney on Queer as Folk).
I was sad to say goodbye to members of Lakeside Pride. I'll miss it. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed just playing for playings sake. I also liked the community.
It's the sad part of moving now. The saying goodbye stage. It's a weird feeling.
At the performance, there were protestors. Yes, of course, because we gay people are the devil! and we're going to hell! and so what if we can play beautiful music.
The most interesting part of the experience was the realization that the GLBT bands of the world are mostly comprised of Gay men. Men, lots and lots of men. Not as many women, which was quite sad. B, from my band and I were the only women euphonium players.
Another memorable experience was the conversation I had with a fellow euphonium player who was sitting next to me in rehearsal. He's a bit crass, brash, thinks he's funny, etc. He first asked me "are you in the family?" I said yes. Then he said "so, you're not a breeder than, huh?" And I said no, but it really rubbed me the wrong way. First of all, I know many queer couples with children. So what does that mean?
He's probably in his late 30s early 40s, but still. I was really annoyed about the implications of that word, which I have thought of as being kind of old school. (unless you are Brian Kinney on Queer as Folk).
I was sad to say goodbye to members of Lakeside Pride. I'll miss it. It was a lot of fun and I enjoyed just playing for playings sake. I also liked the community.
It's the sad part of moving now. The saying goodbye stage. It's a weird feeling.