Every year in the first days of June, a hundred-thousand-strong bright and noisy gay parade truly explodes Tel-Aviv. Do you think such marches are organized only for gays? Nothing of the sort! There is everyone here - curious Israeli old ladies arm in arm with their elderly gentlemen, young couples, children, and even people with disabilities - everyone gathers in the center not far from Rothschild Boulevard to rejoice together with representatives of non-traditional orientation that they live in a free country where there is no need to "pretend to be straight" in order not to fear for your career or, even more so, your life.
Boring statistics tell us quite unequivocally that in any country in the world, regardless of regimes, government, or territory, the percentage of gays is примерно the same. And even the Gaussian curve does not argue with this. Some countries have long since come to terms with it and do not try to return the "lost" to the fold of heterosexuality. Other states still view gays as deeply ill people who do not even realize their illness. But God bless them. We are heading to the parade.
This celebration begins with mass gatherings from early morning. Especially colorful are the handsome transvestites posing here and there, if not for the spotlights and reporters' cameras, then at least for amateur photographers. However, that does not make their poses any less expressive.
Then the concert begins. All of its stars are, to one degree or another, gays and transvestites. But what stars they are! Lady Gaga would cry with envy off to the side!
After the concert, the official authorities "put in their two cents," apparently to show their loyalty and involvement in what is happening, secretly hoping that those who came to the parade will remember this moment at the ballot box. But two cents are two cents for a reason: it is hard to spoil the celebration with them, and soon the many-thousand-strong crowd, with shrieks, laughter, and hooting, heads down Bograshov Street toward the sea.
It is a long walk there, so the route is covered leisurely. And during that time, kind townspeople pour water on the gay procession from their balconies! Still, thanks to them for that - after all, it is 35 degrees in the shade outside!
Some cheerful girls put on a dance show right in the window. For a while, of course, this delayed the crowd, but not for long.
Finally, the procession ends by the sea, so for those planning to take a dip, the most sensible advice is to bring a swimsuit! After all these colors, people, banners, flags, transsexuals, transvestites, gays, lesbians, straight people, old ladies, and children, a swim in the cool sea water is definitely worth it!
And meanwhile, in the less liberal Jerusalem, the annual Festival of Light is taking place! As we say: "come visit, there is plenty to do here!"
