June 7, 2005
 Letter to the Editor

The Daily Star, Oneonta, NY

"Gay Pride Month"

Dear Editor, The Daily Star,

The month of June has arrived.  The flowers are blooming; the trees are green and full of leaves.  Summer is just around the corner.  June is also the month of gay pride, where the sights and sounds of parades and other public events bring attention to the struggle for gay rights in the United States and throughout the world.

I certainly have mixed emotions about Pride month.  On one hand, I am pleased that the celebrations occur.  I am proud that so many of my gay and lesbian brethren have the courage to stand up publicly and express themselves so freely.  On the other hand, I long for the day when gay pride celebrations are no longer necessary.  I envision a time when being gay is no big deal and ALL the rights and privileges that are bestowed upon the straight world are also given to this country’s gay and lesbian population.  That day will come but unfortunately, not without continued perseverance and steadfast vigilance against bigotry and religious intolerance.  As long as the religious right and others make it their priority to eradicate gays and lesbians from society and attempt to relegate us to non-existent status not deserving of the same rights and privileges as that accorded to all other citizens, then gay pride celebrations must and will continue to be necessary.

I encourage my gay and lesbian brothers and sisters to renew and continue the fight for equality and to come out to your friends, family, neighbors and work associates.  I encourage you to loudly and proudly proclaim who you are and stand up and say “enough is enough” and battle bigotry, discrimination and blind unquestioning adherence to intolerant religious dogma and demagogues.