Gay Pride 2013

**DISCLAIMER** I have many gay friends, and I love them deeply. I believe they were born the way they are and that they deserve ALL the same rights and liberties that I receive as a heterosexual. If this opinion angers you, you may want to skip this weeks post.

Growing up I believed that gays, lesbians, transgender, transsexuals and drag queens were weirdo's. I thought many of them were child molesters, and sinners who choose their lifestyle and were going to be punished by God for committing one of the worst imaginable sins besides murder. That was until I started to know normal, amazing, lovable people who identified as gay. These people were some of the best people I knew who tried many many times to change, but couldn't do that and be themselves at the same time. About this time I began to notice some of the most despicable behavior by "honest Christians" who were physically and mentally abusing my friends because of their sexual orientation. As someone who was bullied in high school, I was absolutely disgusted! Soon I discovered that the bullying went far beyond some immature high-school students. It was people of all races, classes, and ages. My gay friends aren't allowed to marry the loves of their lives, which prevents them from many benefits, not excluding insurance and tax benefits. It's very difficult for them to adopt, even though they would make amazing parents. They are shunned by most churches. They are fired from jobs. They are disowned by their families and friends. Why would anyone CHOOSE a lifestyle that would isolate them so completely? They wouldn't. My best friend Sarah soon pointed out a way we could help, by going to the Gay Pride Festival with each other, some of the proceeds go toward GLAAD and many other gay communities fighting for equal rights, not to mention they know how to throw a GREAT party! I attribute my gay friends for teaching me to question what I'm told, and learn to think for myself. They taught me to be true to myself, and not to cave into the pressure of any system, whether governmental, church related, family, friends or even work related. For them, I keep my tradition of going to Pride every year to support them in their quest for freedom and liberty.



What sanctity of Marriage?



Read first. The title is deceiving

Our annual Pride tradition actually starts with meeting friends for brunch. This year we went to Wild Grape Bistro (if you've never been before, GO!) where Sarah, Renee and I met up with Corrin, Jeanine and Laura. After brunch, Laura went home, but the rest of us went to the Pride Festival. We missed the parade, but we were still able to dance, get glitter tattoo's, drink, use the photo booth and browse the other booths. I was amazed, and very proud to see what a great turn out Utah had this year, as well as the lack of protesters. There are normally 5-10 outside the festival each year, but there was only one when we got there, and none by the time we left this year. I'm hoping this is a sign of the complete intolerance dissipating little by little. I had a great time!

Renee, Jeanine and I

Corrin wearing Jeanine's fairy headband



Tranny nuns

Me, Sarah and Corrin



Corrin pretending to be a fairy



Sarah and Corrin enjoying a cold one (or two!)

Sarah, me and Corrin posing with a gorgeous
drag queen who pulled off that dress better
than I could ever dream!



Sarah dancing on the stage



Someone brought an owl to Pride....

My glitter fairy tattoo

I may be scared of birds, but I had to take a pic
with the owl

My bestie Sarah and I

After pride, Bob and I went to Ryan and Lisa's house to celebrate Robert's birthday. There was delicious taco soup, and of course cake and ice cream. Mimi painted my nails for me, and I taught her how to do a back bend from standing up in return. I also played with Ryan helping him swing and play in the trees. Bob spent his time playing catch with Rick, Russell and Robert when he wasn't busy reading. It was a great time until my allergies started acting up from being outside and in the grass all day. Once my eyes started acting up though, it was time to go. Luckily I could see fine again by the time Bob and I got to the movie theatre to watch Fast and Furious 6. In my opinion, it was a good movie since I was thoroughly entertained but I went in to the movie knowing it was a sequel so....

My cute little nephew, Ryan

My manicure, thanks to my niece Merryim



My goofy husband at the movies