Since 1978, the event has evolved into an annual major full weekend function with over 30,000 in attendance.  Each year, the event gets larger, with all kinds of groups participating and floats.  

     In those early years, we were surrounded with fanatical lunatic fringe fundamentalists, sporting hateful signs.  Their banners portrayed demons and hellfire -- one such sign said "Turn or Burn."  Today, some of this ilk still show up -- however, their signs and shouts of hatred are drowned out by the noise of joyful celebration.  I said to a friend:  "It wouldn't be Pride without the Bible bigots." 

     In the early years, I argued with the pseudo Christians.. 

     Today, when they recognize me from television, their rant begins.  "You're sick" shouted one of them in 2007.  In 2005, I was having coffee at a sidewalk cafe, and a man sporting a red GOT HATES FAGS t-shirt, screamed at me and said "You're going to hell."  In both instances, I quietly smiled at them and didn't say a word.  I breathed a silent prayer:  "Father, forgive them, for they don't know what they are talking about." 

     This year I had not planned on marching in the Parade. On Saturday, June 13, I helped person the United Church of Christ (UCC) literature booth on the waterfront.  Ken, my friend visiting from Boston,  took me out to lunch. 

     Saturday evening, my sister Teresa and I were able to attend the Portland Gay Men's Chorus (PGMC) concert at the beautiful historic Arlene Schnitzer Concert Hall.  Gary Coleman, one of PGMC's founders, provided us with complimentary tickets. 

     When PGMC had their first rehearsal in March, 1980 in the sanctuary of Metropolitan Community Church of Portland (MCCP), I was working in the church office.  23 men were in attendance.  Listening to them blessed my soul.  In June, 1980- PGMC had their first concert with about 200 in attendance.  There were only 3 other choruses in other cities. 

     Today, there are Gay men's choruses in 200 cities, worldwide.  Portland's chorus has about 125 members.  The outstanding group performs throughout the year, each concert focusing on different themes. PGMC audiences range anywhere from 1,000 to 1,500 people.  65% of the audience are heterosexual.  This season's Pride concert was high quality, and very entertaining, featuring songs from classic Broadway musicals. 

     Come Sunday, following the 9:30 am service, I took Ken, and his friend's daughter, for a tour of downtown Portland's beautiful historic First Baptist Church (FBC).  (They welcome me with open arms, by the way).  

     My original plan was to attend FBC's 11:00 am service, followed by a dinner and singspiration.  After I said good bye to Ken and his friend at the parking lot situated in between both historic churches -- I stood there, not sure what God wanted me to do next.  And so, I veered back over to FC/UCC. 

     Upon approaching FC/UCC, a group of people from Parkrose United Church of Christ, who had attended the 9:30 am service, were heading toward the North Park blocks where the Pride parade was forming.  They invited me to join them.  And, so I did. I decided to march with the UCC group.

     When we got to the Park blocks, the Parkrose folk went off looking for the UCC group.  Standing right there, was a group of men from PGMC.  They had a car with a loudspeaker, with three recorded tunes from Saturday night's concert.  And so, when the parade started moving, I marched with PGMC.  Marching up Broadway, singing these wonderful songs with PGMC was very liberating. 

     (What's a M to F Trans person doing, marching with a group of Gay men?  That's another article -- coming up -- stay tuned.)

     When the parade reached SW Broadway & Taylor, and turned to go to the waterfront, I departed, and walked up Taylor to FBC for their fellowship dinner and singspiration.

     Later in the afternoon, Susie Shepherd picked me up and we drove to the English & Metcalf (E&M) law firm reunion.  In 1980, E&M was Portland's first openly Gay law firm -- and I was their first secretary. 

     In 1977, Bill and Ann Shepherd started "Parents of Gays" in Portland.  Today, this has evolved into an international organization called PFLAG (Parents & Friends of Lesbians & Gays).   

     Going back to Portland's first Gay Pride in 1978 -- the GLBT community was on the cutting edge of so many wonderful things, too numerous to list here. 

     At MCCP's 30th Anniversary in 2006 slide presentation -- a photo of me from 1980 was displayed.  I was holding up a sign that said OUT OF THE CLOSET TO STAY. 

     The word PRIDE means:  No longer do GLBT people have to be ashamed of who they are.  

     As the Gaither gospel chorus says:

          WE ARE FREE TO LOVE EACH OTHER,

          WE ARE LOVED.