Pride and Thanks
Pride month is winding down, and it is time for my contribution to the dialogue. In this fiftieth year celebration of what started as the Gay Rights Movement and evolved into LGBTQ Pride, I have concluded that future events should be celebrations of both pride and thanks. We should be proud of who we are and what we have accomplished, both individually and collectively. We should also give thanks to those who helped us along the way, both individually and collectively.
I am proud of the fact that starting in 1990, at a most unlikely university, in a most unlikely part of rural Oklahoma, I stood tall with a group of brave LGBTQ students to demand recognition by our student government. It was at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, that I became a part of what was then known as the Gay Lesbian Student Organization and later the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Community Association (it was 1990, we were still evolving). I am proud of the fact that I served two terms as co-chair with two amazing women, first Lys Buck and second Natasha Rice.
I am proud of the fact we established a hot-line for LGBTQ students. We served as a resource, guide, and sympathetic shoulder to university students struggling with questions about sexuality. I am thankful for people like Mike, Kevin, Hildreth, and many others that gave their valuable time to undergo the necessary training and to answer the phone when it rang. We helped many people through a most difficult moment in their lives.
I am proud of the fact that we worked with open minded religious organizations to help repair the damage caused by millennia of cultural oppression. The open forums and panel discussions helped LGBTQ students find a safe and affirming way to express their spirituality. Some of us rejoined our communities of faith and I am thankful for the lifelong friendships that resulted from this effort, especially for Vikki, Deb, Corbin, Paul, Paul, Paul, and Toby.
I am proud of the fact that starting in 1991 we led a contingent of LGBTQ students that marched in the Oklahoma City Pride Parade. We made our voices heard. We demanded our rights.
I am proud of the fact that we upset the evil forces of oppression. I am thankful for those who waved their Bibles and tried to shout us down. I am thankful for the death threats I heard on my answering machine. They only made us stronger and more determined.
I am proud of the fact that we made a contribution to the Pride Movement. I am thankful for those people that gave of themselves to accomplish something for a greater good. Twenty-nine years ago a group of students at a most conservative university, in a most conservative region, of a most conservative state broke the closet door off its hinges and proudly demanded justice and equality.
https://www.bluewatertales.com
I am proud of the fact that starting in 1990, at a most unlikely university, in a most unlikely part of rural Oklahoma, I stood tall with a group of brave LGBTQ students to demand recognition by our student government. It was at Oklahoma State University in Stillwater, Oklahoma, that I became a part of what was then known as the Gay Lesbian Student Organization and later the Gay Lesbian Bisexual Community Association (it was 1990, we were still evolving). I am proud of the fact that I served two terms as co-chair with two amazing women, first Lys Buck and second Natasha Rice.
I am proud of the fact we established a hot-line for LGBTQ students. We served as a resource, guide, and sympathetic shoulder to university students struggling with questions about sexuality. I am thankful for people like Mike, Kevin, Hildreth, and many others that gave their valuable time to undergo the necessary training and to answer the phone when it rang. We helped many people through a most difficult moment in their lives.
I am proud of the fact that we worked with open minded religious organizations to help repair the damage caused by millennia of cultural oppression. The open forums and panel discussions helped LGBTQ students find a safe and affirming way to express their spirituality. Some of us rejoined our communities of faith and I am thankful for the lifelong friendships that resulted from this effort, especially for Vikki, Deb, Corbin, Paul, Paul, Paul, and Toby.
I am proud of the fact that starting in 1991 we led a contingent of LGBTQ students that marched in the Oklahoma City Pride Parade. We made our voices heard. We demanded our rights.
I am proud of the fact that we upset the evil forces of oppression. I am thankful for those who waved their Bibles and tried to shout us down. I am thankful for the death threats I heard on my answering machine. They only made us stronger and more determined.
I am proud of the fact that we made a contribution to the Pride Movement. I am thankful for those people that gave of themselves to accomplish something for a greater good. Twenty-nine years ago a group of students at a most conservative university, in a most conservative region, of a most conservative state broke the closet door off its hinges and proudly demanded justice and equality.
https://www.bluewatertales.com
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