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Tonight, I attended the opening ceremony for the Gay Games VII. Words can't even express how utterly amazing this was.
But I'll try.
I can honestly say I've never felt more a part of this community, nor felt more pride in the LGBT community than I did tonight. I was one of over 60,000 LGBTQ people in attendance tonight. Aside from amazing performances and brilliant speaches (Margaret Cho, Mayor Daily, Greg Luganis, Megan Mullally, and a host of others), there were some awesome pieces performed. Staceyann Chin delivered a stirring message about starting - or rather, continuing, "reigniting" an old - revolution for equality. Jorge Valencia read a disturbing, real, suicide note written by a young gay man named Steven (this was the part that I started bawling; it reminded me so much of myself and my life at that age) who died because of the horrors he suffered. There was also a spectacular fireworks show after lighting the torch. So much else happened, my mind is still reeling.
Not since my first Pride, last year, have I felt such an overwhelming surge of love, support, and pride in our community. It was also extended towards my city; I can't believe what tremendous support the city of Chicago has given to the Gay Games, and I'm a part of it.
It just all blew my mind. I'm so glad I decided to go.
But I'll try.
I can honestly say I've never felt more a part of this community, nor felt more pride in the LGBT community than I did tonight. I was one of over 60,000 LGBTQ people in attendance tonight. Aside from amazing performances and brilliant speaches (Margaret Cho, Mayor Daily, Greg Luganis, Megan Mullally, and a host of others), there were some awesome pieces performed. Staceyann Chin delivered a stirring message about starting - or rather, continuing, "reigniting" an old - revolution for equality. Jorge Valencia read a disturbing, real, suicide note written by a young gay man named Steven (this was the part that I started bawling; it reminded me so much of myself and my life at that age) who died because of the horrors he suffered. There was also a spectacular fireworks show after lighting the torch. So much else happened, my mind is still reeling.
Not since my first Pride, last year, have I felt such an overwhelming surge of love, support, and pride in our community. It was also extended towards my city; I can't believe what tremendous support the city of Chicago has given to the Gay Games, and I'm a part of it.
It just all blew my mind. I'm so glad I decided to go.