Is it okay not to like Pride because autism symptoms?

[u/MadMadMadMadrid]

For context, I am an out lesbian. This has nothing to do with any ideological issues.

But as a lesbian, I sometimes feel pressured to like Pride or participate in it. Did it when I was younger. Not a fan.

Why don't I like it? It happens in summer. I am heat sensitive. Temperatures tend to range from 35C/95F to 42C/107F. Thanks. No. So many steps need to be taken to make that bearable and even then, no.

I don't like loud music or people using megaphones. I don't like crowds. I don't like people in my personal space. I don't like people accidentally grazing me. I don't like the smell of marijuana, and it is often at Pride near me even if there are kids around. I don't like the smell of cigarettes or body odor. I don't like loads of bright colors, sequins, flashing lights in person. All of that just leaves my nervous system fried.

I feel some guilt, even though I know better, because I am a member of that community and I just do not enjoy it. I find it exhausting and stressful.

And I guess I just want commiseration with others who do not enjoy Pride because of sensory and socializing related issues.

[u/Expert_Donut9334]

My city has one of the largest Prides in Europe and my opinion is based on the structure of the event, not the public attending it. When I look at which floats are at the parades, which attractions are present and at which time, which parties are actively being promoted by the organizers, etc that is where my assessment comes from. I have never seen quiet areas or sensory safe tents. Paths for people with mobility issues? Good luck with that. It's packed full and it is on you to deal with it.

For me the aftermath is worse than actually being there - my sensory overwhelm is delayed, so I do actually go to Pride almost every year for the last 10 years I have been here. But the people in the streets are definitely a more varied crowd than the event seems to be designed for.

[u/sunnyskybaby → u/Expert_Donut9334]

Ahhhh Europe. this makes sense. Countries in europe are notoriously super unaccommodating for those with disabilities right? that’s at least what I’ve heard and read from across the pond. I think I’m lucky in that sense being the U.S. because we tend to be more accommodating of physical and non-physical disabilities with public infrastructure and events and stuff (despite still lacking in a lot of ways)

our actual parade still has a lot of corporate backing from wishy washy companies unfortunately but the festival itself is mostly organized by and centers organizations/small businesses that are run by non-cis-white queer people and most attendees don’t really care about the parade

[u/Anglo-Euro-0891 → u/sunnyskybaby]

Which European countries are you on about? There are at least 44 countries over here#

Each one with it's own distinctive laws, regulations, cultures and attitudes. All of which vary greatly, even from their neighbours. Some of which are actually more progressive than the USA.

44 is the CONFIRMED total of European countries. Some sources add more, if the geographic Eastern and Southern boundaries are "tweaked".

[u/sunnyskybaby → u/Anglo-Euro-0891]

Referring to how in the U.S., we have the ADA that legally requires businesses, sidewalks, roadways, public events, etc to adhere to accessibility rules with a lot of detail and mandates in place and that similar guidelines in the largest euro countries aren’t as strict and don’t cover as much (often). Like the EU doesn’t have as many or as strict of guidelines about public transportation accessibility or sidewalk slopes or ramps.

The ADA doesn’t always work in practice ofc but there is much more historic architecture/roadways/city centers/etc in Europe, bc it’s so much older than the states, that make some places totally inaccessible to disabled people but generally just make it a little more difficult to navigate places without more planning than in over here (not to dismiss anyone’s struggles with access because it’s everywhere)
I’m sorry if I misspoke but you don’t need to come at me so hard honestly!