Let’s Celebrate PRIDE!

Dear Families,

As we end the month of June, I want to tell you about someone who was a source of joy in my youth. My uncle Larry was the most amazing man (pictured right). He taught me about the musicality of language, about the silent power of an image, how to be (unabashedly) my authentic self, and how to appreciate the beauty all around me. He took me to my first play, The Wiz (for which I still have the Playbill over 30 years later!), and I remember with such fond memories exploring exciting Manhattan with him on the weekends. Larry was a writer, poet, painter, advocate, and community organizer. He was/is my role model. 

He loved a man named Michael whom I loved as well (pictured with me on the left at the zoo). When they were in love…in 1980s in New York City… gay men were literally under attack. It was unthinkable for them to celebrate their commitment to each other through marriage then. However, about ten years ago (June 24, 2011), the Governor legalized same-sex marriage in New York. My uncle did not live long enough to see this historic day. He passed away in 1987. 

Even with such progress, there are places in our country and all around our world where members of LBGTQIA+ still fear for their lives, take their lives, or lose their lives because of violence, hatred, and discrimination. Today, and every day, I stand with the LBGTQIA+ community in the fight for equity and justice for all. 

Join me in celebrating Pride Month, this month, and every month. LBGTQIA+ history is all of our history. 

In service,