Day 176: Pride Day

What a momentous and proud day: FHS graduation, Michael's party, Pride Day and the engagement of Heather and Leah!  Each element of the day made me proud; the courage of my son and the entire LGBT population, the support of his brothers, our state, Michael's speech, loyal friends and Jen Suhr's victory in the pole vault!

I found graduation very moving and a bit difficult as we say goodbye to a class full of wonderful students.  We have grown very close to them through musicals and Quest.  In the Class of 1967 awards, I read the long list of classmates who have passed away.  The number stands at 18 because two more were added this year.  Plus, we lost two former teachers, Dick Glenzer and Dick Dawes, who had a huge influence on our lives.  Every day is so precious.

Michael sang "To dream the impossible dream" and Ethan played the saxophone.  Both performances were outstanding, really some of the best I've ever heard.

I am so very happy that two young women who love each other and wish to make a lifetime commitment to one another, may do so by getting married here in NY.  I have known them since they were my students ten years ago and I burst into tears when I got the engagement announcement.  Marriage equality is a basic human right that should not be subject to the votes of other citizens.  Evan had an emotional day in NYC where he participated in the Pride parade and some of the other events.  So much progress has been made in the past year, but more work must be done to assure all Americans of equality.