Midsumma Festival - your closing thoughts?

[Paul]

Hi Everyone.

Midsumma is about to finish. Did you participate in any of the celebrations or events? If you did, what was it like and did it have an impact on your depression or anxiety?

Paul

[justinok]

I always think I should go to things, but it tends to fill me more with anxiety and depression. I don't know, somehow wanting to be part of it, feeling like I'm not, feeling I don't deserve to be part of it...it's complicated, and by the time I've gotten through that crappy cycle, it's all over and I don't have to think about it for another year. How about you?

[Paul]

Hey justinok,

Honestly, I don't really identify with the whole thing. I was going to go to the carnival but apathy prevailed. I imagine it's a whole lot of guys being camp. I loved joining in when I was younger, but now I'd much rather re-arrange my socks drawer. I guess if one of my two friends (in total) were to say "let's go" I'd consider it.

As for the parade, I love the idea of political statements, pride and sarcasm, but I don't like the perpetuated stereotype of half naked people making a spectacle for the rest of the wider community to shake their heads at.

Wow I sound like a wet electric blanket about to be plugged in and go "Poof!"

Pxx

[justinok]

I think the Melbourne one is not like that at all, I have been to it a few years back and was really surprised at how community oriented it was. And the Chill Out in Daylesford too, which I thought was really cute. Sydney Mardi Gras has always seemed more of the 'get your freak on' element, and has never appealed to me, but I have mates who tell me how liberating and awesome it is and have been trying to convince me to go for years. But, yeah, I dunno... bah humbug?

[Paul]

I think I draw my conclusions from Sydney Mardi Gras.

Bah Humbug indeed!