SFGate.com reports that the Folsom Street Fair, long one of the raunchiest of street fairs, now has the Marriott corporation as one of its sponsors. Mormons last involved themselves in the gay community to contribute to Prop 8, which, if it had stayed law, would have banned same-sex marriage. Some wonder how a fair like the Folsom acquired sponsors at all, least of them being the Marriott. Once the Fair gets used to the money sponsors bring in, will they tame it down to please those very sponsors?

http://www.sfgate.com/bayarea/article/Folsom-Street-Fair-less-kinky-more-corporate-4851461.php

The Folsom Street Fair is this Sunday. One of the advantages of going if you live in another city is that you can pack light, as few, if any, clothes are worn to the event! I have been so many times that all I have to do is close my eyes, and the pictures of the nudity, the flogging, the cute young guys, the um, proud older guys, the chaps, which are usually worn by those who shouldn't... well, have a beer or ten and join the fun!

Interesting article. it seems clear that it's really all about the money.

Sounds familiar....

Several decades ago, in the college town I have lived in or near for almost 40 years, there was an annual semi-private pool party called Crape Myrtle. In the 70's & early 80's, by reports, it usually involved at least one orgy before it was over. As it grew each year, attracting hundreds, it became too much for one host. After the arrival of AIDS, someone had the idea of charging admission, with proceeds going to AIDS-related charities & organizations. The event continued to grow, and a major pharmaceutical company, a pioneer in antivirals & a sometime-target of Act-Up & similar organizations, was one of the first corporate sponsors. The last I heard, the event was being held in a conference center. A far cry from it's origins!

I agree a very interesting article.

I went to this festival one year and had a blast. I was surprised at all the goings on but I really enjoyed it.

Personally, I hate to see things tamed down.

I am not sure whether Folsom Fair contributes positively in creating healthy and positive images for gay community. I seriously doubt it. Oh my flogging in the middle of the city??? My my.. tsk tsk..

The gay community is made up of those that like leather and whips and chains as well as those that dress in drag as well as those that like escorts and hookers as well as those that more non traditional things. We are all part of the same family and we must all accept one another and others will accept us as well.

That is true.. I believe the event should be balanced with other positive activities. An event should not be all about extreme sex and physical stimulations. Just as religious leaders lose balance and make extreme statements, we are doing the exactly same thing if we condone this kind of event, IMHO. There is no balance. So I will not participate and as with other gay people who are not fan of this event and remain silent.

The gay community is made up of those that like leather and whips and chains as well as those that dress in drag as well as those that like escorts and hookers as well as those that more non traditional things. We are all part of the same family and we must all accept one another and others will accept us as well.

This event was started that way as other gay events excluded them. As you can see, it is now a more popular event than other events that are all inclusive. That may tell you something right there.

Personally, I am not into that scene. But, I do support them and hope they are successful every year. I remember going to a gay expo in NYC a few years back and it was all the "mainstream" companies like Marriott and brokerage houses, etc. It was a complete and utter bore. That said, I feel there is a place for all the events that people want to have.

That is true.. I believe the event should be balanced with other positive activities. An event should not be all about extreme sex and physical stimulations. Just as religious leaders lose balance and make extreme statements, we are doing the exactly same thing if we condone this kind of event, IMHO. There is no balance. So I will not participate and as with other gay people who are not fan of this event and remain silent.

NOT everything is always Balanced hito dear.....I mean afterall, YOU are a bit Off-balance and we still LOVE you

Things only go Awry when you try to be Everything for Everybody. Sometimes a bit of exclusivety is Refreshing.

I love it.. But you have to remember that other people here balance things out.. My uniqueness doesn't dominate through out the site because there are others. I hope the event could be more open to other activities than sex, bondage and debauchery. That's simply my point.

NOT everything is always Balanced hito dear.....I mean afterall, YOU are a bit Off-balance and we still LOVE you

Things only go Awry when you try to be Everything for Everybody. Sometimes a bit of exclusivety is Refreshing.

I love it.. But you have to remember that other people here balance things out.. My uniqueness doesn't dominate through out the site because there are others. I hope the event could be more open to other activities than sex, bondage and debauchery. That's simply my point.

Oh YES hito, I got your point, but then we would be at Disney Land. And there is already a Disney Land... Some of us like to ride a Different kind of ride, and its OK that the Folsom event caters to THOSE needs.....

True.. A valid point..

Oh YES hito, I got your point, but then we would be at Disney Land. And there is already a Disney Land... Some of us like to ride a Different kind of ride, and its OK that the Folsom event caters to THOSE needs.....

So I will not participate and as with other gay people who are not fan of this event and remain silent.

Perhaps you could just show up and speak out.

Perhaps you could just show up and speak out.

Well if they are serving APPLES, maybe hito WILL show up, but I know he would never be caught DEAD with a BANANA in his mouth !

Oh my a gay guy in Snow White outfit at the event.. hmm.. I think that will be a true imbalance that we should be worried about.. lol..