Benton Harbor-Saint Joseph was treated to a special treat on Saturday, May 5, 2007 in the form of a float in the Blossomtime Festival's Grand Floral Parade. There are few times in the cities' history when Gay, Lesbian, and Bisexual persons have had such public visibility. The YWCA OUT & Affirmation Center's volunteers created a float representing all of us, LGBT or not, as a symbol of the tolerance guaranteed, but not always given by our constitution as citizens.
The resulting visibility must now be put to work creating opportunity for dialogue with old and new friends as we try to educate the community about our everyday lives. We are after-all not only friends, we're family, neighbors, co-workers, teachers, pastors, doctors, who have a legitimate place in the life of the community. Our needs for health care, safe and affordable housing, rewarding work, recreation and healthy family life are little different from others here in this area. We must educate the community about the lack of legal protection in housing, benefits, and employment other groups enjoy.
While we have lots to celebrate , we have much to do as we approach Pride Month in June...
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