I had arrived in town with only a paper grocery bag to my name that contained two mens’ Navajo ribbon shirts, a gift from two men in Grants New Mexico, and a pair of ill fitting jeans.

Although things were to dramatically improve from my condition upon arrival, I, as a stranger in town sought out the Gay Community, if there was one, like a Knight of Columbus or a Mason seeks out his brothers when new in town, friendly strangers.

I was one of those who has stood penniless outside the bar knowing I would not be able to buy a drink but just wanting to be among my own and enjoying an evening with people who would eventually become my Community.

I wandered the Gay district, the 39th Street Strip, exploring the new territory, but only one bar had no cover charge that night, or any night, and so, even unable to buy a drink, I eventually talked my way into being treated to one, I was able to enter with no shame as no one but I knew my financial straits, and the rest, as they say, really was history.

Celebrating Pride as a member of the Community,especially on the day designated for the celebration by the Community or those who assume to speak for it, should be open to everyone who has a right to be proud regardless of present circumstances.

No one in the community should be on the outside looking in.

There was no cover charge at the Stonewall Rebellion.

While the actions in the bar itself lasted for a few hours, the rebellion on the street went beyond that night and into the next few. The majority of participants were Street Kids, too young to get into a bar and today couldn’t cover the entrance fee to celebrate what they did.

I will attend the downtown Pride celebration open to everyone Gay, Straight, Whatever, later in the week, but this year I am joining with the excluded and missing the one meant for us, The Community.

It would be immoral of me to be sitting on the street-side patio watching people slow down and then pass on, or just drive or walk by without slowing because pausing is pointless.

I will have to get my Big Girl Drink elsewhere among the Straights.

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