Why I March

I march because being gay is illegal in 79 countries, punishable by death in six. I march because Korean gays feel compelled to wear masks at their pride parade in order to show their numbers, but not their faces. I march because there are orphans in states where gays can’t adopt and shortages where gays can’t donate blood. I march for my student whose asylum visa I had to sponsor because his father swore to kill him should he ever return home to Russia. I march for the thousands of American youth made homeless when their parents found out they were gay. I march for the 65 who were burned alive at the Upstairs Lounge and the dozens who rioted at Stonewall when they'd had enough. I march for Alan Turing. For myself. For my boyfriend, my family, my children.But mainly, I march because gays are the only people on earth who seem to realize that sequin spandex glistening in the LA sun have incredible power.Happy Pride Everyone! It’s going to be a great weekend!