Topic #4, a little lighter

Ok, since topic #3 was such a hit (NOT!)lol... I thought I'd post a little lighter one.... Will you be going to any PRIDE festivals this summer? Will you go to the parade and/or the festival (if there are both)? What is your best PRIDE memory? -Donna

We have gay pride week here in Cleveland and it is off the map. We have a lot of fun. The best one I think was last year. There were more shows and more single people

I'll be going to a bunch of them, either as a vendor, volunteer, or member of the Palm Springs Pride Board. I love Pride - and have been very involved with the movement for many years. Best moment - there have been so many, but I have loved the people who come up to me and tell me that they are newly out and this is their first Pride festival and it is so awesome. It feels good to work with such inspiration. And yes - I'll be in LB volunteering for both days. Can't wait as I love your festival. Ruth

Hey Donna! I've been away for a while, but I'm back! Thank you for the wonderful topic! So much news to tell since question #1 posted a month or so ago... Thanks to your original question--I began to truly explore my own sexuality---and own some pieces of me, that I'd simply not been able to truly take on. But I'll answer your question of the day, first! PRIDE festivals!! Yes! I'm off to GayDays here in Florida; at Disney World, the entire month of June is PRIDE month, but GayDays at Disney is what I'm looking forward to the most! All those red shirts, and wonderful people, living their lives --accepting one another, and living in peace...why can't it be that way all day, every day, everywhere?? I'll be enjoying the Orlando Gay Chorus' singing in June, and then we'll be bopping off to Epcot, or someplace else in Disney all month long in June! What a celebration!! Okay, now for my wonderful news! It's amazingly cosmic how all of this has come together, and honestly, I have you to thank for getting the ball rolling. Remember when you asked the question about how many of us were out--and who we told? Well, I explored that question in a way you can't even begin to understand. I wasn't able to, until we began that dialogue, to really articulate what was going on in my mind, my heart, and in my soul. I was able to truly take ownership of who I am. I opened my mind, and my heart to who I am from the core, outward. And once I did that. My entire world opened up. I told my family. I told my friends. I couldn't wait for every single person who loved me--knew just how free I'd become by embracing all that is Jessica. I'd never called myself a lesbian. I'd actually never called myself anything. I felt rather asexual, to be honest. But once I began a concious dialogue, then I began to open my mind and my heart and fully accept who I am. And the rest is the beginning of the rest of my life! I am a lesbian, and am tremendously proud of that fact. As amazing as all of that is, my news gets better! While on this site, I met a woman, who'd been following my thoughts as I was posting them. This tremendous woman and I have been talking on the phone for about a month, and last week Monday, I met her. I wish I could find the words to tell you just how incredibly my life has changed since then. I feel heard. I feel understood. I feel accepted. And I feel loved. WOW! My life has changed in ways I never, ever expected. Things have fallen into place that have been floating all around me, my entire life. I am whole. And I am happy. And I have you to thank for leading me to turn on the light--and think. Thank you, Donna. Forever, I am in your debt. All of you--enjoy your PRIDE celebrations! I know I will--with my new partner, Pattie. Jessica

Ok, here's mine... I will be going to Long Beach pride this year. We usually go to the parade, and for the last few years have skipped the festival. If we go to the festival, it will be on Saturday, when its 'little' less crazy. We might also go to the LA pride but I don't even know when that is right off. My best pride memory has to be my first pride. It was amazing to me, newly out, to see how many gay people there were in my new hometown. Heck, to see how many there were period! I did the usual things, hooked up with some friends, danced, browsed the booths. I bought my share of rainbow stuff too. It was really hot and dusty that year, and I rode my bike. By the time I got home I was tired, dirty, and my head was spinning from all that I saw. I slept well that night... heheh And Jessica, I am so happy to hear all of your good news. You are the one who took those steps, and have yourself to thank girl! I take it that the people you have come out to so far have been pretty positive? I sure hope so! Its so wonderful that you found someone from this site too! She will be able to share with you so much more deeply for your upcoming surgery. I hope she will post on here too. Coming out is a wonderful time, and finding our first girlfriend is usually very intense. Walk slowly, as you have your whole new life ahead of you. Enjoy every moment. -Donna

Donna, I am in school right now for elementary education (I read your profile). I graduate in two semesters!!! Any way~~~ no pride for me this summer but my partner and I are going to Key West in about 14 days!!!! If anyone has some inside information on hot spots let me know. This will be my last vacation sporting the size 24 bathing suit. If all goes well with scheduling I plan to have surgery upon our return home. See Ya Kiersten

Have a great time in Key West. Thats where Tina and I got engaged. My parents also live in the Keys... I'd strongly recommend a sunset cruise, renting mopeds (WAY fun!), and Pearl's Rainbow guest house. I think thats the current name. OH, and you definitely have to be down on the pier for sunset at least one day. Its definitely a fun experience. There's a restaraunt, I think called Two Friends or something like that right off Duvall. Great food there. Indulge for me! -Donna

Well, we used to participate in the pride parade with the Lucent Technologies group here in Chicago, but we were outsourced and did not continue. We haven't been to watch the parade or partake of the festivities for several years. It just got too crazy for us. We really don't like large crowds but would attend if my daughter (who is also gay) was in the parade again. I guess our biggest problem is that it's just too crazy for us, and it bothers us that the only thing that 'makes it on tv' is the 'out of the ordinary' stuff. Seems that's what folks want to see and believe about our community and that's not what we're about. So, we just live our humdrum lives here in the burbs and leave the rest alone.

Patricia, I feel the same living here in New Orleans. There have been many times when my partner and I have asked ourselves, "Where are the people like us?" See Ya, Kiersten

Donna, I also have to thank you for asking your original question. It brought my Jessica to me and I'm forever grateful Pattie