Liberation Day

I braved the sweltering heat and attended NY's Pride Parade today. I found the celebration blown out bigger than life, just like anything else in this City. There were more rainbows, feathers, yards of tulle, smatterings of glitter, and fake eyelashes on the parade marchers than all the NYC ballet ensembles combined (I'm sure of it)! I really enjoyed the parade overall, but a few things especially warmed the cockles of my heart . . .

Sage is the Senior Action in a Gay Environment, an organization dedicated to the well-being of seniors in the gay and lesbian community. It includes a recreation center, drop-in medical clinic, and other social services. They had several of their members marching in the parade, many of whom have been couples for decades. I was especially touched by this couple of men here; you can't see the signs around their necks, but each say that they have been together for 51 years! It really touched me that they decided to dedicate themselves to one another long before it was socially acceptable and that they continue to remain dedicated today. And, while my grandparents were able to renew their wedding vows at their 50th anniversary in a church in the presence of the Lord and the law, these gentlemen are still continuing to wait for our country to decide as a whole whether to allow couples of any gender to become lawfully wedded.

The Lesbian & Gay Big Apple Corps Marching Band really got the party started by playing "We Got the Funk". Their corp is complete with a drum major, a flag ensemble, and a drill team!

The Lavendar Light Gospel Choir is a choir with gays and lesbians dedicating their song to their Lord in the classic Black Gospel sound. They were inspiring!