The Gay and the Gray

There's nothing that makes bigger headlines than the goings-on of the LGBT (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender) community. The recent 10-day long Europride festival proudly hosted by Stockholm was one of those happenings that filled news columns for weeks.

The event rounded off with a colourful parade that wound its way through central Stockholm, watched by 45000 people inspite of the lousy weather. Walking alongside the LGBT participants in the parade were government ministers and members of parliament, all jostling to position themselves as champions of LGBT rights.

An unfortunate incident occurred during the festival -- 2 gays were attacked and robbed. The police chief issued an immediate statement condemning the deed and saying that all resources would be expended to apprehend the culprits.

That reminded me of another incident that occurred half a year ago. The 80-year old aunt of a friend of mine was robbed in her own home. A young lady had rung on her doorbell asking for a glass of water. While she took the girl to the kitchen a young man sneaked in, tied her up and made off with her cash and jewellery. When her son reported the incident to the police he was told that the chances of catching the culprits were minimal. "We just don't have the resources," the policeman said.

So the moral of the story is ... rather be gay than gray?