First of all, I want to wish a special greeting of pride to all my readers on NJ Gay Pride Day...June 7th. I would be in Asbury Park celebrating with you but I was asked to be best man at a friend's wedding (a heterosexual wedding, OMG) and I agreed months before I realized that today is our special day.

Gay Pride is something we need to celebrate in some obvious and some subtle ways each and every day-- from the moment we look in the mirror to the time we go to sleep. For many, if not most, LGBT people the straight world doesn't immediately know we are gay. It has proven right for me to be extra nice to the elderly neighbor or the Pentecostals and Jehovah's Witnesses down the street. I let them see that I like them and will do favors for them (a ride to a doctor's appointment, shopping for groceries, etc.). WHY? Because sooner or later someone is going to tell them in our favorite kind of slang...that he is a fag! At first, they don't believe it. The they have to think about how this "morally disordered" person has been caring and friendly.

I wish each and every one of you a happy and festive Gay Pride Day. And I invite you to consider making each day one of pride.

Hugs,
Cousin Butchie

P.S. Only my straight friend could have selected this black tuxedo. It may have been rented from the undertaker.