Is Halloween "Gay Christmas"?

[SanFranciscan]

I thought this issue might be addressed on another thread that I saw here under LBGT Halloween. My question is actually a little different.

I read an article in The Advocate about the cancellation of Halloween parties, such as the one the police are trying to squelch here in San Francisco's Castro District tonight. My husband and I have a feeling that that might just make conditions in the city even more dangerous as perhaps thousands wander the city looking for a party that isn't officially scheduled anywhere it could be controlled by the police. Yet I am sympathetic to the residents of these neighborhoods, often gay themselves, who resent gay people promoting the worst stereotypes about gay people by going out of their way to see how vulgar they can be in their costumes and behavior. It makes good sense in other ways too because the heterosexuals who go to crash these "gay parties" are going to then be the most trashy ones as well, who will use someone's flower bed as a toilet and so on.

But my question is, how right on do you all think the article was to call Halloween "Gay Christmas"? That sounded a bit extreme to me.

We didn't talk about the fact that my sister was lesbian, even though I am sure we all knew what she never said directly so it was a very open secret. She did attend family holidays. Rachel, her "friend," was sometimes with her. Could Halloween really owe its popularity to gays not being welcome at home during family holidays? Or it is just an adult extension of the drama club?

 

[OrlandoMike]

Could Halloween really owe its popularity to gays not being welcome at home during family holidays? Or it is just an adult extension of the drama club?

I do remember coming home from college one Christmas, and after spending the whole day with the family just had to get the heck out of dodge! This was back in the day when even the 7-11's were closed all day on Christmas. So I headed to the gay bar in town. The place was packed! I asked the bartender what was going on, and he told me everyone needed a break from the family!

But I don't think we hijacked Halloween, we just do a better job at it!

 

[ConcKahuna]

... I don't think we hijacked Halloween, we just do a better job at it!

That is such a great tag!!

 

[brendrek]

Gay Christmas...So, that's why we picked MNSSHP over MVMCP. It all makes sense now!

 

[R.S.Winters]

i edited this post as i realised i hadn't read what u said properly lol

incidentally, i loooooove xmas the best. my fave time of year bar none. I've never really understood the fuss of Halloween. but then, here in the UK its not so much a big thing like it is to you guys in the US.
the only reason i like Halloween is bc u get to c all the cool villains at disney haha lol

D.

 

[ConcKahuna]

i edited this post as i realised i hadn't read what u said properly lol

incidentally, i loooooove xmas the best. my fave time of year bar none. I've never really understood the fuss of Halloween. but then, here in the UK its not so much a big thing like it is to you guys in the US.
the only reason i like Halloween is bc u get to c all the cool villains at disney haha lol

D.

Yes, but Dracula with a British accent would be hot!

 

[R.S.Winters]

Yes, but Dracula with a British accent would be hot!

*goes to find a dracula outfit*

 

[SanFranciscan]

I did get what I believe was your original message in an e-mail. The police wanted the Halloween party in the Castro stopped due to past violence there. Nine or ten people got shot ten minutes after the party officially ended last year, depending upon which source you believe. There have been stabbings at those parties too. Two previous years I believe. Violence totally unrelated to Halloween does seem to be on the increase in that traditionally safe neighborhood though.

I just wondered how Halloween became so associated with gays because I think of it as a children's holiday. Even if the whole Christmas spirit and goodwill thing is practiced without any sincerity, wouldn't gays still get more of a break over Christmas? Even people who do not like Christmas often try to make a display of compassion over the Christmas season. Wouldn't gay bashing therefore go down over the Christmas season? Well, the Advocate certainly got attention with that "Gay Halloween" cover story though so I guess their advertisers should be happy.

i edited this post as i realised i hadn't read what u said properly lol

incidentally, i loooooove xmas the best. my fave time of year bar none. I've never really understood the fuss of Halloween. but then, here in the UK its not so much a big thing like it is to you guys in the US.
the only reason i like Halloween is bc u get to c all the cool villains at disney haha lol

D.

 

[minicoopercraig]

I think it's the only time when Drag Queens can walk through the streets without fear of someone figuring them out, mainly because all the straight men are dressing up now too! I love halloween too, I decorate my house to the hilt! We just sit at home though, after giving out the candy and watch scary movies all night.
It's better then having someone stab you because you stole their idea costume. LOL The best one I've seen was a while ago, someone came to a costume party dressed as Sonny Bono, they had a ski pole through their chest!!! LOL!