A reader writes:
A few years ago, a filmmaker brought a documentary to the ImageOUT festival in Rochester, and he also brought along some of the “Gay Pioneers” featured in the film. Some very big names, as I later came to find out, like Frank Kameny, Lilli Vincenz, and Barbara Gittings. Because I took care of the gay library at the community center (and still do) I had a small group meeting with Barbara at a cafe (she had been a librarian). It was very inspiring to chat with her about books and life and the movement, and we were all feeling very good about everything. And as it turned out, I was asked to give her a ride back to her hotel. As I moved onto the street, Barbara blurted out from the back seat in a loud and happy voice: “Isn’t it just wonderful to be homosexual?”
Surprised (as I had never heard anyone really phrase it that way), all I could say from up front in response was: “Yes, yes it is. Indeed!”
That’s exactly the kind of reclamation I’m talking about. It carries no whiff of victimhood; it is suffused with the joy of so much of gay life; and it’s unifying. And yes, it is just wonderful. I thank God for being gay all the time. It is, in so many ways, a charism.
The Dish 