I never thought I would see the day when our president would release a proclamation declaring June as lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) Pride Month. (If you want to read the proclamation, click this link: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2014/06/02/obama-pride-month_n_5431801.html). Wow, we have definitely come along way. When I came out in 1993 I would never have imagined this day.

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT Pride Month) is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. The Stonewall riots were a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. In major cities across the nation the “day” soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are held for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally and internationally.

President Obama has shown his support for LGBT people by repealing “Don’t Ask Don’t Tell,” the policy preventing gays from openly serving in the military, and by supporting same sex marriage and extending marriage benefits to same sex couples. President Obama believes that all people are created equal and therefore deserves equal rights no matter whom they love.

I have had the pleasure of marching in pride parades in Washington, D.C. and Sacramento, CA and attending pride celebrations in Baltimore, San Francisco, Amsterdam and Los Angeles.  No matter the location, the energy and enthusiasm are all the same.  We come to celebrate our love for life, stand against discrimination and violence, fight for equal rights, show our support for each other, and celebrate our diversity. We are CEO’s, presidents of organizations, professional athletes, politicians, military personnel, musicians, designers and parents!

Thanks President Obama for all your support and leading by example!!

Happy Pride Month!!! 

Pics below: Having fun with friends, meeting new people, roller skating and listening to Deborah Cox give a great performance at LA Pride 2014! It was a great time!!