This awesome gig came to me because my "gubby's" (gay husband's) boyfriend is on the committee for the Pride Festival and needed some volunteers. So, I volunteered both me and the gubby for duty, not fully realizing the magnitude of responsibility and media coverage we would receive. I often talk about my gay husband, gay friends and issues that affect these people who I appreciate so much, so obviously I feel really strongly about protecting their rights. My gubby and I have been best friends since college when he was "straight" (he hadn't yet come out) and when I moved to Louisville without knowing anyone, basically, and many of the first friends I made were gay people who accepted me as a newcomer and have been great friends ever since. The least I can do to pay back my community (that includes some of my closest friends) is to stand in support of them and their right to love who their heart chooses.
As a straight girl in the center of the biggest gay event all year, I assume that people will think I'm gay. Actually, this was part of the experience for me. Sure, I saw a lot of parade participants with a t-shirt proclaiming, "Straight, but not narrow," as in "narrow minded." Although I appreciate their attempt in lending the "hetero" support, to me that statement further divides us. It basically says that lifestyle is ok for you, but I want everyone to know that it doesn't apply to me and that I felt a need to spell it out so you don't think I'm in that minority group/demographic/charity case that I'm generously supporting. How much do you really support "them" if you feel it necessary to clarify that you're not one of "them"?
So, when I go to work on Monday morning after having seen lots of co-workers and friends on the sidelines of the parade, and after the newspaper has posted pictures on their homepage of me and the other parade participants proudly carrying that 50-foot flag, I will still be every bit as proud. I don't need or want a pat on the back for being a straight girl "out of her element." However, I do ask that if you're like me, someone who wants to see her friends, ALL of her friends, enjoy the same rights that we have, you'll join me in taking a stand.
For Corky, whose path has opened my eyes.
