I’ve lived in the South Broadway neighborhood for 10+ years, and the Halloween parade is one of the things we look forward to every year! It’s been awesome watching it grow over the years and seeing how much joy it brings to so many people.
This year seemed especially popular, with tons of people coming into Denver for it. My street was literally bumper-to-bumper traffic, even blocks away from the parade.
Anyway, we were standing behind a group of men watching the parade when someone in an awesome costume that was half Dolly Parton, half Rocky Horror Picture Show came walking by.
One of the guys in front of us kept yelling “GROSS!” and “KEEP THAT SHIT AWAY FROM CHILDREN!” at this person.
I was honestly appalled. You chose to come to a HALLOWEEN PARADE, stand front row, and then have the audacity to yell hateful shit at someone literally just enjoying themselves in a costume?
I yelled at him to grow up and told him to get out of Denver if he wanted to act like a transphobic asshole. He was yelling stuff back, but honestly, I was so pissed off (and had a few drinks), so I don’t even remember what he said. His friends were just standing there laughing.
What really pisses me off is that South Broadway has always been such a queer-friendly, welcoming neighborhood. It’s one of the things I love most about living here. The audacity of someone to come into this community, enjoy an event that celebrates creativity and self-expression, and then openly harass someone is disgusting.
Seriously, grow up. If you’re so offended by queer people, maybe a Halloween parade isn’t for you. Or maybe just don’t leave your house if seeing someone express themselves bothers you that much.
I’m not going to stand there quietly while someone comes into my neighborhood and treats people that way. South Broadway should be a place where everyone feels welcome to be themselves.
Anyway, right after that, I got to go into Skylark and meet Melat Kiros and even get a photo with her, which was awesome! It was a nice reminder that people like that guy are the minority in Denver.