Day One

...and now it begins.

I am training for a relay race called the Klondike. Oooooh, it is exciting. I have never trained for anything physical, let alone a race. But in the past, I have been known to take off on runs, or begin a running spree.

I'm glad that little wild hair has come back to me. If you would like to know more about the Klondike race, you can follow this link, and say a prayer for me. http://www.sportyukon.com/klondikeRoadRelay/default.php

In other news, I attended my first ever PRIDE festivities going on in the fair downtown Anchorage. I have to say I was immensly amused by the bravery of said "loud and proud", prancing in underwear down 6th Ave., a solider carrying a rainbowed peace sign, and an announcer dressed in a creamy pink dress suit, complete with a feathered hat. This, my friends, is what being alive is all about.

The gay community is inspiring in a way that they are open to people who want to be whoever they think they are. I loved being a part of this event, loved seeing the reactions of children to people dressed in magnificant, metallic dresses, the shockingly raw and hilarious, political commentary in front of City Hall. I even loved seeing the fear and excitement in the eyes of people who were there to support this community by marching beside their friends.

By the time my experience was over, I was unsure about who was what, or what was who.

The level of compassion and love mixed with fun that poured into the streets of Anchorage were enough to bring a smile to my face and tears in my eyes. What a great place we live in. How awesome it is that we can march in the middle of a street in underwear, with extravagant floats, and amazing costumes to celebrate humanity, not only in our city, but also in our country.

The MC of the festival said it best: "The days of "coming out" are so far past us. We have moved into the days where we are embracing each other as human beings. Were we are being seen and respected as human beings, like all human beings should."

It rang true to me, that like everything, the community of gay has evolved into something accepting, something loving, humane, ok. Without this acknowledgement, regardless of political stance, sexual or physical orientation, preference, or fear, our entire society takes the risk of staying merely animals.