LGBT
Related: About this forumA Marginalized People
HAPPY PRIDE, EVERYONE!
I would like to share with all of you something I shared on 2 other sites. I talked about our involvement with Second National March on Washington for Lesbian and Gay Rights in 1987. Tommy and I went because we wanted the right to marry. We received an education that day that led to our activism. That very day we became aware that we were there for so much more than just marriage equality and we NEVER forgot it! So I have very deep and emotional feelings about PRIDE.
I am sharing this with you not for vanity or a pat on the back. I want to share with you Tommy's and My very deep respect for PRIDE and it's proud history and it's hopeful future! I want to share with you our passion!
This is something I wrote and said in a video. Here is a snippet:
"There is a reason we have a Rainbow Umbrella. We proudly hold that umbrella to shield all. And if we cannot shield all, we put down that umbrella and we lock arms and we weather the storms together until we all stand under the rainbow. And when I say ALL, let me tell you who we are as a marginalized people. We have been here since the beginning of humanity. We are of every continent of the world. We speak every language. We are of every religion and every non-religious groups. We are of every skin tone, every culture and YES, we are every gender! Our transgender brothers and sisters are our family! We shield ALL or we lock arms and weather the storms together until we ALL stand under the rainbow together..."
PRIDE has meant so much to us! We have not been able to attend any PRIDE events in the last 6 years since Tommy's stroke and then diagnosis of terminal pancreatic cancer. Tommy passed away Jan 1st 2025, this year. I will not be attending PRIDE. We use to travel to PRIDE events in different cities and states throughout the year. Maybe one day I will began again, but not now. I suffer too much grief from the loss of a great man I had the honor of being his husband and will be forever grateful he was my husband. We were unstoppable force then.
So in memory of our life together I share our passion in written word and in video and I share with you in his honor. My Tommy would be so humbled and happy I did this for him!
Thank you all for reading and letting me share this!
May You All Be Healthy, Safe and Happy, AND LOVED!
May You Always Hold A Presence With Your Loved Ones Every Day, That May Become The Blessing Of A Future Memory. (Like the one I just shared with you!)
HAPPY PRIDE, EVERYONE!
Reis, Tommy's Proud and Loving Husband of 41 Years!

LoisB
(10,752 posts)when the time is right for you. Peace and strength.
Thank you for your support! I feel Tommy with me every day and every night. Maybe in the future I will begin attending PRIDE festivities. I know Tommy would want me to carry on our activism.
May You Be Healthy, Safe and Happy AND LOVED!
Reis
LoisB
(10,752 posts)Forever an ally,
Lois
ShazzieB
(20,865 posts)I am excited to participate in Pride in my own small way as an ally. When I do, I will remember this post, which has made me appreciate the importance of Pride even more.
NCgayguy
(170 posts)Dear ShazzieB,
Thank you for such a beautiful response! I love your sign! I hope you enjoy PRIDE and spread the love!
May You Always Be Healthy, Safe and Happy AND LOVED!
Reis
ShazzieB
(20,865 posts)No thanks needed, but I appreciate this!



Hugs to you! HAPPY PRIDE!
May You Be Healthy, Safe and Happy, AND LOVED!
Reis
And right back at you too!
🌈