Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Youth Group Member Received Prestigious Award; Invited to White House Reception
http://www.uuworld.org/news/articles/168670.shtml
This link brings you to an article about Danielle Smith, a member of our youth group, who received the Student Advocate of the Year award from GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network). Read the article -- it's inspirational!
Dani has actively participated in our youth group throughout her high school years. She has worked tirelessly and devotedly as advocate, trainer, and spokeswoman for LGBT issues. I am delighted to see her given the recognition she deserves.
Subsequent to receiving the award, the Rev. Peter Morales, President of the Unitarian Universalist Association, recognized her with a personal letter of congratulations. We recognized Dani and read Rev. Morales's letter aloud in our June 13 service.
Rev. Morales is not the only President to notice Dani. In June she was invited to a reception with President Obama at the White House.
Read the article -- you'll be glad you did!
Love,
Sylvia
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Portland Gay Pride Parade 2010
Portland Gay Pride Parade 2010
On June 19, nine of us abandoned our gardens, cookouts, and lawns to take part in the annual Gay Pride Parade in Portland. The day was glorious -- sunny, warm, and clear. The festival mood and happy spirits of all gathered made the sunny day even more spectacular.
Below you see most of us hugging a spot in the shade as we waited for the parade to begin:
Nearby, our brothers and sisters from the Augusta Unitarian Universalist congregation were gathering, too. We all joined together for a picture:
En route, finally!
Cooling off at the end of the march:
We are a congregation that believes in advocates, and supports equal rights for all:
One of the most impressive aspects of the parade was the rainbow banner that must have been at least a quarter of a
mile long. Scores of people were required to march it down the street. Watching it flutter as the breeze caught its folds, and following its progress down the street to the finish, filled me with a hope that someday equal rights will be enjoyed by all. My photographs did not do justice to the beauty of that banner, but here are three pictures that give you something of an idea of what it was like:
The day was spectacular, fun, and meaningful. Next year, you come, too!
Love,
Sylvia
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