Interview with Stanley

I never really understood what gay pride meant until we interviewed Stanley. Stanley has worked at BTM since the beginning. He started as the house keeper and is now the webmaster. I never put much thought into the concept of Gay Pride. I figured it was something to rally around but I never thought about the reason or meaning. I realized by talking with Stanley that growing up as a "closeted gay person" in a community that doesn't except sexual differences is a source of intense shame. It is natural for a homosexual to be a homosexual; imagine being ashamed of something that is natural to you. It's heart breaking. That is why pride is so important; to move beyond acceptance of yourself to a place where you can be proud of who you are. Acceptance without pride still leaves room for shame. Shame is a source of fear and everyone should be able to lead a life without fear. I get it now.