PRIDE ... Walk the Talk!
Current mood: Feeling a sense of dignity and self-respect
Category: Feeling a sense of dignity and self-respect Travel and Places

PRIDE across America. Walk the Talk! Click on that link for our newest newsletter. PRIDE is being celebrated in various places throughout the world. Having been invited home to speak at PRIDE in Bellingham, Washington, we have been thinking about PRIDE and what it means. One definition for "Pride," in the dictionary rings true for us, A sense of one's own proper dignity or value; self-respect.

This year's international theme for Pride Month is "PrideNot Prejudice," according to InterPride.org. There is a great book to read. Check it out.
Making Gay History: The Half Century Fight for Lesbian & Gay Equal Rights

This morning, we had a conference call with Sodexho, whose PRIDE organization is bringing us in to speak at their headquarters in Gaithersburg, Maryland, as well as at their facility in Allentown, PA. Corporations are continuing to offer benefits for same gender partnerships that mirror those of married mixed gender couples. I believe that the challenge now becomes, "How do we get our own community to move beyond fear so that they can embrace these new benefits and 'benefit' from them?" Let us know what you think. -- Dotti

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Home for the first time in 7 months
Current mood: Introspective
Category: Introspective Travel and Places

Sitting in my swivel chair as I look into our back yard, it seems surreal that we have not been in our home for 7 months.  I ask myself, Have we really been to all of those places, connecting with all those wonderful diverse individuals?  Then I look at the huge map where we inserted the map pins last night, glance back through our newsletters, and I am overcome with emotion.  Having been on the road with our year long journey, Gay Into Straight America, we have now come home, if only for a few days, to speak at PRIDE in Bellingham, WA.

Last night as we witnessed a beautiful sunset at the beach, five minutes from our home, Roby and I looked at one another, feeling a profound sense of connection.  As we stood on this beach before we left, I snapped my fingers and said to her, Thats how quick it will be until we are again standing on this beach. Lets experience and be present to each moment on this journey.

We worked all afternoon in the back yard, pulling eight 33 gallons bags of weeds. Today, the front yard! I realize how working in the yard and engaging with people keep me present to the moment. Both energize and empower me. When I dont see the weeds, they dont bother me or overwhelm me. They are like differences that separate us. Once I notice them, however, I want to get rid of them. When I see the weeds in the context of our beautiful yard, I can enjoy the process. When I simply listen and hear anothers story, the differences that separate us magically disappear, and allow me to experience their uniqueness.

As we hung the sculpture, called Deep Peace by the artist, representing the essence of our journey, Roby commented that we should call it Namaste. Indeed, the light in us honors the light in each of you on this journey with us. -- Dotti

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