Highlights of PRIDE Month and Beyond

As you may know, this year has one of the biggest years in terms of gains for LGBT peoples around the globe. Many of them have taken place during this past month of June, also known as PRIDE month. I would like to highlight some of these events for those viewing this blog because of the newsletter I just wrote and for common interest.

In November, Iceland elects the first openly homosexual head of government in the world.

Iowa , Vermont, Maine, and New Hampshire become the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th states to legalize same-sex marriages.

California upholds Proposition 8.

President Obama and Secretary Clinton issue PRIDE proclomations.

Secretary Clinton Extends Benefits to LGBT State Employees and their Partners.

President Obama futhers Extension to all Federal Employees.

India's Dehli High Court Rules the Homosexuality is not a Crime.

PRIDE Weekend In New York

My first PRIDE was made doubly awesome by being invited to march with GLIFAA in the New York PRIDE parade. While at first I was hesitant because of funds, GLIFAA offered to reimburse me for my trip. At that, I took the opportunity to march in my second PRIDE parade and also take my first trip to New York. I was very graciously hosted by Steven Gee, longtime GLIFAA member and consulate for the United States to the United Nations, and his partner, Sasha Macasev. I had an absolutely wonderful time exploring the city and making new friends. The day of the parade, Sunday, began with brunch. Then we lined up and waited for about an hour before we started moving. We were in Section 4 out of 12 sections, and though I did not get to see the entire parade, I can imagine that it was huge! It was amazing walking down Madison Avenue representing something so wonderful. The street were lined the entire parade route (4 miles) from the upper 50s to Greenwich Village. We received a lot of cheers despite our small contingency and were fortunate to be followed by something called the "Pleasure Chest" which played very lively music as we walked. Several people, mostly non-GLIFAA members, joined our cause by marching and celebrating with us. It was really great to see and feel the excitement and support of the crowd. It really makes me feel proud to be gay.