“Same duties, same rights.” This is the motto, which became a slogan for a stroll through the streets of Nice, that the gay and lesbian communities of the Cรดte d’Azur chose to display on their posters, t-shirts, and other more original mediums. “Many great promises were made during the last elections, but nothing has changed. I am surprised that some political movements are not represented at all today.” K, who wished to remain anonymous, works for a large local authority completely absent from the parade.
Other political figures, elected or not, had traveled to join the procession. Among them were members of the local Socialist Party such as Dominique Boy Mottard, Marc Concas, Patrick Mottard, and Patrick Allemand. The Modem was also represented by Hervรฉ Caรซl, a candidate in the last legislative elections in Nice and a possible candidate in the upcoming municipal elections. Auguste Vรฉrola, Nice city councilor and deputy for Muriel Marland Militello, was the only representative of the UMP in the Cรดte d’Azur, while Simone Monticelli represented the local Communist Party.
“We are very pleased to see so many elected officials in the procession, and we hope they will be just as active in defending our rights because if France is a country of laws, it should not forget it also has duties, towards all its citizens.” Pierre, a retired civil servant, offers a critical but not harsh view of politicians’ stance towards the gay movement. “Very few elected officials have come out, and I can’t imagine that a government or an assembly is made up only of heterosexuals.” Indeed, there are few male and female politicians who have acknowledged and who speak openly about their sexual orientation.
In the meantime, the Nice Pink Parade was a wonderful celebration bringing together gays and heterosexuals in a single march, warmly applauded by spectators along the roadside or perched on their balconies.
See you in 2008 for another parade, pinker than ever!
