Paul Goldfinger photo. 6/5/22  A. Park. Blogfinger.net  Click once to enlarge.

Paul Goldfinger photo. Asbury Park 6/5/22 ©  Blogfinger.net

So, what’s her story? Paul Goldfinger photo. Blogfinger.net ©

By Paul Goldfinger, MD, Editor, Blogfinger.net

I know that the rainbow is the symbol of LGBTQ pride, and everyone around me would be shooting in color, so I decided on black and white for my photo coverage this time.

There were thousands of people assembled on Cookman Avenue for the Pride parade that kicked off at noon sharp.  As predicted, various gay factions were represented, and there were plenty of garter belts, leather, ripped muscles, smiley and tough lesbians, tattoos out the wazoo, marching bands, floats and souvenirs handed out along the route. There were gay cops,, high school kids, and gay seniors marching.

High school kids from Rumson. Paul Goldfinger photo. © Blogfinger.net

Girls just want to have fun. Paul Goldfinger photo. 6/5/22 ©

The noise was pervasive with lots of hoots, hollers, and whistles.  There were few Asbury cops around, and no sign of trouble.

Since I am hopelessly hetero, I could not appreciate all the nuances of the costumes, gestures,  and insider banners.  Rainbow flags were all around, and what’s with the dog theme above?  And I have to look up all those letters in the name LGBTQ–no banner in the parade explained that.

I saw some really cute girls marching and holding hands, and I’m thinking “Really?

Looking at the crowds in and around the parade, I couldn’t help but wonder how many LGBTQ people were there per square yard–maybe a new record.

As a photographer, I was having difficulty with the noon start time because the light is so contrasty that it was messing with my exposures.  But I did get a few good shots.

I did see a few Grovers at the parade, but I thought there would be more since there is a good sized gay community in the Grove; so much so that I imagined a change in our street name to “Mt. Hormone.”

The parade lasted about 45 minutes, and I found myself people watching, not only in the parade but walking and laughing on the sidewalk.

I was impressed with the happiness and enthusiasm of everyone there.  It was a wonderful parade, and we all could use some cheer these days.

EMMY ROSSUM from her album  Sentimental Journey