Question

Which of the following best characterizes the response to the Gay Pride Parade marchers at all three Pride parades attended by O'Brien (Wrestling the Angel of Contradiction)?

a. They were met with silence and occasional boos.
b. They were greeted with enthusiastic cheers.
c. They encountered no reaction from the parade spectators.
d. Both a and b are correct.

Answer 1

Responses to Gay Pride Parade marchers have evolved from initial indifference or hostility to greater acceptance and support, culminating in enthusiastic cheers along with some instances of silence or boos in the early days. Therefore, the best characterization is that both silence and cheers were encountered.

Step-by-step explanation:

Based on the historical accounts of Pride parades and the progress of LGBTQ+ movements, the response to Gay Pride Parade marchers has varied over time. Initially, during the early years following the Stonewall Riots of 1969, the response to Pride marchers might have been mixed, with some members of the public being unsupportive or silent. However, as the movement grew, especially from the 1980s onwards, enthusiastic cheers became more common, and Pride Parades generally witnessed growing acceptance and support from both spectators and the media. Without the specific information on the three parades attended by O'Brien, we would opt for a generalization, yet considering the time frame and increasing support for LGBTQ rights, it's plausible that the correct answer could be (d) Both a and b are correct, reflecting both initial hostility or indifference and later, celebratory acceptance.