JWG's Necessity June 1, 2012

Bunny! Bunny! Zwerglipatch  June 1, 2012  8:41 a.m. EDT

 I have spent the past hours looking at our memorabilia saved when we were living in Manhattan. Specifically, ephemera and buttons concerning Gay Pride. Last night, when I awoke to “Bunny! Bunny!”, I thought of sharing some of what I have collected on Facebook. Why have things stuffed in notebooks, boxes, and closets hidden from sight? This will be a fun project. And, I do require projects, no?

Thus far, I have placed on a folder I have called “JWGrum’s Pride” two pictures. One is the very first photo (actually, two) René and I had taken of us at a photo-booth at Times Square in September 1980. The other is a pink postcard we made for the US Postal Service’s postal cancellation using a Keith Haring logo to celebrate the twentieth anniversary of Stonewall. The postmark was done in 1989. René and I have been around.

I also put on Facebook an event of ours from 1988. This was Mayor Ed Koch’s reception for Gay Rights at Tweed Hall which we attended. We had joined the then-new Human Rights Campaign Fund — we were part of the founding members. Does that age us? Our lives, in Manhattan, were an open book. It is time to share that book for all to read. I am sure some of our Friends will be surprised. I do know that I am. Years have flown.

Also, on this day, in 1989, we attended the dedication of Stonewall Place in Greenwich Village. It is important to remember courage. This coming season will be important for all of us to be open and faithful to our hopes for Happiness. When asked if I am gay, I reply, “I am very happy. Are you?” This answer gets looks of befuddlement. This answer is apt. I cannot hide my Happiness.

This June begins as a perfect Island Day. I will have to make time to peruse our gardens closely. I will certainly be perusing our past. Memories will be rampant. Yes, tears will flow. Laughter will dry the tears. But, and this is most important, now, as a married(!) couple, René and I will be celebrating our First Pride Month. If one does not have “firsts”, one has nothing (however harsh that may seem).