Reply #82: I missed the talk on TV, thanks for posting the words! It means much to me!

[Riverman]

The words "feel" better, really! I am someone who always wants to use words to mean precisely what I want to communicate and try to hold others to their words. As an older gay man, who has struggled with coming out for many, many years, likely since I was five, or less, with this self-awareness, I "feel" these words intensely as I honor those at Stonewall and all the other places people, groups and individuals stood their ground and said I am who I am and I will not accept any mistreatment for me and my sisters and brothers!

At 57, I attended my first Pride Parade on Sunday! First! Why did it take me so long, one who has stood for the rights of many - union workers, African-Americans, Mexican/Latin farmworkers, women, seniors, children - but not so openly until this past weekend did I make an affirmative stand or walk actually - first with the Lesbian March Sat night and then the stood along the parade group and at times walked along side the paraders on Sunday? It felt right and about time, for me!

I have been no hero in this, I have been a victim of the internalized oppression that has kept me from openly declaring, and living fully who I am. I have for a number of years been out to myself and a very small circle of people, but not to all that I want to know me better. This weekend is a major step in that process. Standing on the shoulders of the many far more courageous GLBT people, I wondered watching the younger people in the parades if they had a sense of what it took the older generations that laid the groundwork for the openness that we all now have - with much more to do obviously, as Mr President Obama so eloquently stated in his speech the other day.

And, while I voted for Obama, largely based on his words, I have been very disapointed by his actions or lack of actions in office on so many critical issues, including GLBT rights. I do not have patience for waiting, many steps can be taken now! But, I will stop being overly critical of the President, but will actively join the chorous until the Change We Can Believe In becomes reality!

Thanks to all who have taken such stands. My life is far better for your efforts. Now my time to give back for others who follow!
Peace!