Halloween, the day that allows you to let the freak in you out. Well the wifey and I were Dark Mad Hatter and Dark Alice. We spent the evening in the best place to parade around with all the normal freaks of the world WEHO (West Hollywood).
The first year we went I was working at one of the banks that was dead center of the parade. My wife was dropped off by her parents and my parents dropped of my costume as you can tell we were both still very young. I remember the most popular costumes being BDSM based costumes; lots of people with chains, cuffs, leather and whips. My favorites were the ladies and queens with their large wings dressed as Victoria Secret Angels, wearing 6 inch heels with platforms making them tower over everyone.
As the years have passed the costumes have been just as eccentric, with fully functioning transformers, expensive looking superhero costumes and homemade creative costumes such as a man blowing in the wind or people on stilts. I mean the amount of creativity is endless. Groups of people as a set of characters from movies, such as Alice in Wonderland, the Tim Burton version, the Justice League, or a group of Tina Turners. Two years ago everyone wanted to be Lady Gaga.
Last night was no different than all the others years, however, the best part was the sense of unity. For the first time I did not see any protestors. That is what kills me, we don’t go to your church or your activities and force our beliefs down your throat, why would you come to our festival if you don’t like us.
Well this year I didn’t see any but what I did see was the Sheriff’s Department, the firefighters and EMT’s out and about to keep the peace and taking care of everyone. I mean they’re always there but this time I really noticed how awesome they are. There was a patrol vehicle parked in front of the station and a few Sheriff’s. You could take pictures with them or them throwing you in the back of the vehicle or well let your creative juices flow and picture what you would do if the chance was presented to you and more than likely someone tried it. It cost $3 and the money went to charity.
A group of gay guys in shiny leggings and glitter all over their chest asked a Sheriff if they could take a picture with him and he was cool about it. What stuck with me was when they said thank you and walked away, he said; “Be Safe and take care of yourselves out there.” I mean to many it may not mean anything but to me it showed how sensitive they are to the issues that face the LGBT community. In a world where we are still denied the right to marry, where we are bullied and murdered for who we are it is beautiful to see that some in law enforcement have our backs. All throughout the parade Sheriff’s were asked to pose for pictures and not once saw did I see one say no. This also went for Fire Fighters and EMT’s, everyone was more than willing to pose for pictures.
If you have never been, next year make sure to make time to join the fun. It starts at 6:00 PM and goes to 11:00 PM. However the clubs stay in full effect till the early morning hours. You can walk up and down Santa Monica, from La Cienega to Doheny Drive, in your costume. Check out what everyone else is wearing and how risque they can get. Be prepared for lots of skin, tucking and potentially X-rated costumes. I do not recommend bringing anyone under high school age, just because exposing them to some of that stuff isn’t appropriate in my eyes at least. The clubs get full and are open to everyone gay or not, with age restrictions of course. Once the clubs open, the drinks start to pour and the alcohol levels get a rising. So remember by 10 most people are a little tipsy, 12 drunk, later well most are falling on their ass. Don’t let that discourage you that is part of the fun.
Bring a camera because the costumes are picture worthy. If your costume strikes someone as interesting they may want a picture of you or with you. I have never encountered any dreadful or dangerous situation but always be careful its a scary world out there.
We were able to enjoy ourselves and make new friends all in one night and so can you. Remember to smile often you never know who might need one. Don’t forget to go check out the fun next year. And if you’re ever in town WEHO is always up for some fun. Maybe we’ll see each other there soon.
