Last Saturday I made the approximately two and a half hour drive to New York City to participate in the 5 mile Pride Run. This is the 29th year the race has been held and, at least, the third time I’ve run this race. I think I enjoy the race more each time, despite the fact that this year I am by far in the worst physical shape I’ve been in while trying to run. The majority of the 3,500 participants look like those you would find at any running event, but there are always more colorful characters present – those with sequence hot-glued to their t-shirts, or feather boas sewn onto their shirts, or rainbow colored Speedos instead of shorts. It’s nice to be in an environment where such creativity is welcome and appreciated, where people can have fun, without fear, to simply enjoy their own and others’ existence. Somewhere after the half-way point, I heard two women exchange greetings as they passed each other, “Happy Pride baby!” Made me smile.
Is it too much to dream of a day when such a greeting could be given, say, anywhere? That such a greeting could be heard without others cringing as negative stereotypes fill their minds? That such a salutation could be given, received, and witnessed with the same cheerfulness, good will, and innocuous observation as a sincere Happy Birthday wish?! *sigh* I choose to believe that someday the majority of human beings will be comfortable enough with themselves to not feel threatened and defensive (and, as a result, feel the need to attack others) due to differences in physical appearance, personality, belief, or, even, sexual orientation.
When I dream, I dream big. 
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