It's now getting on for a week since my first Sparkle. It was exactly as I expected it to be, a Pride, only one with trans people of all hues rather than the gay people I've seen in the past. It was fun, but so was going shopping in Manchester with my sister.
I have been rather surprised to see some adverse reactions to Sparkle in other places, usually because as well as the about 50% of 'normals' among the crowd the event is known for attracting some of the more outrageous and entertainingly dressed members of our community and there are those who don't appreciate being reminded of such people. Or perhaps they are keen to demonstrate how much they've moved on from all that, which is a shame because I think they miss out on something very important: a sense of fun.
Events like Sparkle are what you want them to be. For some they are the most important event of the year as their only chance to get out, for others they're venue for a first hesitant outing and for yet more they're an entertaining spectacle and a chance to meet friends.
I'd advise anyone going to Sparkle to take what they want away from Sackville Gardens and to respect the other attendees for taking away what *they* want. Sure a sissy maid or an LG outfit isn't to my taste, but as far as I could see the middle-aged t-girl maid or the LG with the surfeit of petticoats were having just as much fun as I was. By acknowledging that none of us would pretend to be on the same path.
Besides, I don't think I'd look good in a sissy maid outfit. They always look so damn short, and when your legs are as long as mine, there's a fine line to be drawn between revealing and indecent!
I've never heard of a Sparkle, but I am so definitely intrigued!
ReplyDeleteLooking it up quickly introduced me to 2 events in my area, so a huge thank-you hug is definitely in order. :)
That seems to have nothing on what people wear to dinner during Atlanta's Southern Comfort Convention's gathering of Trans's people.
ReplyDeleteMy wife says that she has seen the same sort of extreme outfits when she attended large healthcare conferences before she retired as an RN.
There are a few things that could be done to improve Sparkle, but there is no getting away from it being the only national celebration that embraces everything T*. Excluding any aspect of trans from Sparkle would just say that it is OK to discriminate against any T-person.
ReplyDeleteThe lack of publicity of what is a very colourful event unfortunately allows cliques to think it is just for them - Sparkle needs to be clear in its aim and the organisers must be strong and not bullied.
If people don't like it - they shouldn't go, running down the only celebration we have is only going to leave us with nothing, and where else could I wear my denim mini skirt.
Suzie x
Evening all,
ReplyDeleteI have to wonder whether the truly enlightened trans person is the one who is so beyond it mattering that they don't care what people might think.
Part of me - call it my inner tranny if you will - would love the occasional chance to dress outrageously. When you look like me you can do a very visible outrageous look. But y'know what? I don't have an n'th the courage of the LG in central Manchester.
@Sally: glad to have been of assistance!
While it strives to have something for everyone you are never going to please everyone. I suspect one or two of the complainers could start a argument with their shadow.
ReplyDeleteI will strive to visit some year if only for the day
Lucie xx
Absolutely, there is no pleasing some people. The one-day thing worked for me very well on the train.
ReplyDelete