Last night passing of the marriage equality bill in NY State was a hightly emotional evening for many. For me on the eve of my birthday (which almost always coincides with Gay Pride) the emotion gets heavily augmented. A gift from above. Like so many others before on my bday. I was born in 1964. As I came to terms w myself in the early 80s , the welcome mat to gaydom stained by the beginnings of the aids epidemic read: ” you will die queer.” Together w many brothers who had no choice but to be happy we entered carefully and we not only survived but we also thrived. However I never truly thought I would see this happening in my lifetime (considering that when it happens in NY is certain to have a fast ripple fx). I’ve been fighting for it. I’ve been fighting for others selflessly as many did before us. But never truly grasp its proximity. On top of that, to have experienced it last night the way we did - at the Stonewall where it all began in 1969 - was truly liberating. I’ve been free to be myself for decades. Today I feel free again in many more ways than before. I always joke about not being at the right place at the right time. But the reality is the opposite. Stonewall happened on my bday. Pride is celebrated on my bday. And now equality too. I can’t joke about it anymore, nor I shall never complaint. On to a wonderful future. Right?
