Some individuals, even from the LGBTQ+ community say:
"it's a little too much for me" "I find them loud and a bit 'in your face'".
"As an introvert, I want people to know that being gay does not mean that I am necessarily a flamboyant individual"
Dressing up can be a lot of fun. But there is more to it than that. In the past, LGBTQ people used to be arrested for wearing clothing that crossed traditional gender lines. That is why Drag Queens are an important part of this culture.
Even today, queer people who don't conform to traditional ideals of gender are more likely to be harassed and beaten up.
There is a lot of pressure to fit in. But at Pride, everyone has the space to safely express themselves and wear whatever they like - and celebrate their freedom to do so.
Photo by Focus By Mr V featuring Clinton Paul, Peter Gatt and Chucky Bartolo at Malta Pride 2018