Published in the Toronto Sun, 12 December 2025
SHOW YOUR PRIDE
In light of the fact that Iran and Egypt will be playing the Pride Match in Seattle during the World Cup, I’m issuing a challenge to the LGBTQ community of North America. What I want to see at this game is the gayest of gay extravaganzas the world has ever seen. I want to see Rupaul singing the national anthem in full drag regalia. I want to see a cheerleading squad consisting of the most flamboyantly gay men. The halftime show should consist of performances by bands such as the Village People, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Parachute Club, The B-52s, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Culture Club, with Boy George in his full 1980s flamboyance. This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance, ladies and gentlemen. Allies like myself would be in full support of sticking a finger in the eye of countries that would rather throw homosexuals off highrise buildings than let them live in peace and dignity. North America has come a long way in fostering acceptance of the LGBTQ community since the days of the Stonewall riots. Maybe Egypt and Iran will do the same someday.
(This is an excellent idea. Seattle has already said it has no intention of changing its plans and the World Cup organizers have little say in that, so Seattle should get its pride on!)
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The unedited version:
In light of the fact that Iran and Egypt will be playing the Pride Game in Seattle during the World Cup, I’m issuing a challenge to the LGBT community of not just Seattle, but North America. What I want to see at this game is the gayest of gay extravaganzas the world has ever seen. I’m talking the Super Bowl of gay celebrations! I want to see RuPaul singing the national anthem in full drag regalia. I want to see a cheerleading squad consisting of the most flamboyantly gay men the world has ever seen. I want to see a marching band consisting of the most outrageously-dressed drag queens, led by the butchiest lesbian (or dyke, if I may use the term affectionately) you can find as the Drum Major. I also want to see the butchiest of dykes as the referees, ushers, and announcers for the stadium and the TV broadcast. The half-time show should consist of performances by bands such as the Village People, Frankie Goes To Hollywood, The Parachute Club, The B-52s, Pet Shop Boys, Erasure and Culture Club, with Boy George in his full 1980s flamboyance. It should all conclude with a chorus of men, all sporting the “Clone look” of the 1970s and waving rainbow flags, singing a medley of “Pink Pony Club,” “I Want To Break Free,” “Everyone Is Gay,” and “I’m Coming Out,” while a gang of motorcycle riding dykes circles the field.
I’d also like to see Elton John not only perform, but also serve as the Grand Marshall (or should that be Grand Queen?) of the whole extravaganza, dressed in the most flamboyant costume from his 1970s era. He could ride into the stadium in a pink Cadillac, holding hands with his husband David Furnish. A duet with Rob Halford would be great too.
This is a once-in-a-lifetime chance ladies and gentlemen. Allies like myself would be in full support of sticking a finger in the eye of countries that would rather throw homosexuals off high-rise buildings than let them live in peace and dignity. North America has come a long way in fostering acceptance of the LGBT community since the days of the Stonewall Riots. Maybe Egypt and Iran will do the same someday
