Sadly,
I dislike purple :(

Sadly, that's a poor excuse!

"By wearing our ribbons we can help ease fears and promote tolerance!"

I'm not clear on how one follows the other.

How does wearing an additional accessory accomplish either of these goals? What about the color purple, or about a ribbon, makes the unknown less fearful? Is that that you wish to force the wearer into conversations about their faith?

I never spoke about my religion when I was Christian and will not do so as a Pagan, either, because I don't believe that's what religion is intended to do. It's a private matter.

And can you explain how any "pride" event has promoted tolerance? As a gay man, I'm confident that gay pride parades have done more to elicit hatred among the ignorant than any malicious rimors, because it puts forth the worst of the community. Even if Pagans do better than that, it's forcing a belief system down someone's throat. You don't get to reasonable discourse by being in your face. You get there by being like everyone else, and just happening to be Pagan.

How about instead of a Pride Day, we just emulate the Earth? She takes her time when she wants to change things, using gentle, unyielding pressure to wear down mountains, crack boulders with roots, move continents. We humans could learn much from the Earth.

Wow, I am not even sure where to begin with this. You sound angry in your comment and I of course, have no idea why but I certainly don't think it has to do with my promoting Pagan Pride Day

Which, BTW, I attend every year and it's not ever been hostile. It promotes tolerance because those who are not Pagan and don't understand it sometimes come to the event and gain a better understanding of what it means to be Pagan, from Pagans.

I think it's a nice idea. Its a good way to celebrate our selves and spread awareness without being completely obnoxious and shoving it down peoples throats. Its subtle :D

I am sure this is very special day.

I think that wearing the purple ribbons can do a lot to promote tolerance and understanding.

As someone who doesn't fit the public "stereotype" of the pagan, I've had the opportunity to talk to people I know and explain what my beliefs are. I'm not cramming it down their throats or forcing my beliefs on them, but just letting them know that I am not boiling babies or worshiping satan.

Staying "in the broom closet" and hoping that people will just magically learn to accept us - well, no one changes their mind without having proof that they are wrong.

I don't want people to think that the only kinds of pagans out there are the ones they see on tv on reality shows or on the news at Halloween time.

I'll wear my purple ribbon with pride.

Anonymous,
I agree - I've never seen a Pagan Pride Day that got out of control and obnoxious!

Gourmet Popcorn,
It is certainly a very special day!

mrsb,
You said it better than I ever could.
I have no clue what that one person, who left a comment here was all up in arms over.sheesh!

Very good way to spread the awareness. Although I don't practice anymore I still wear my ribbon for support.

Well, far be it for me to comment on the happy young anonymous man up there...but...

Perhaps the way that a pagan pride day could differ with a gay pride parade would be...hmmm...

Pagans generally don't dress in leather thongs and try to shake their "money makers" at the crowds...

We generally don't go out of the way to go "OMFG! CHECK OUT THE STEREOTYPE PAGANS IN THE GROUP!!!" Instead, we might dress up a little, tastefully, wear our pagan jewelry, sing songs, etc.

I don't think anyone's had to actually consider a "PG" or worse, "R" rating for a pagan parade...

Just thought I'd point that out.

And by the way, I love purple. :) This is a great idea.