June is right around the corner, bringing another Gay Pride Month for all.
Gay Pride Parades and Festivals began in 1970 as a way to mark the anniversary
of the Stonewall Riots in New York City. While many actions over the years have
propelled the Gay Rights Movement forward, the Stonewall Riots are commonly
referred to as the beginning of the modern Gay Rights Movement. Last year was
the 40th anniversary of the Riots, and we’ll provide more on that and much more
of the Gay Rights Movement’s history as June approaches.
But we want to hear from you. We want your coming out stories. It’s not as
difficult as it once was to come out of the closet, but it’s still hard. We’re
looking for interesting, moving and funny stories of what it’s like for people
from this community to come out, both past and present. Length is not a factor,
so don’t feel it has to be a novel. A simple paragraph will do, more if you’re
so inclined. It’s important that those in the community focus on this shared experience
from time to time, both to remember how far we’ve come as well as to give hope
to others, particularly the younger generation, and show them that while it may
be a hard thing to go through, we endure.
Not comfortable writing? Send us a video clip in which you tell your story.
Send your submissions to
[email protected] and please send a photo if you like. Coming out, for
all of us, is now and always has been vital to the forward momentum of our
civil rights movement. The more stories and faces that make themselves known as
"just like anyone else", the less people will continue to
misunderstand us.