Firstly, I would like to thank the 2009 Committee for allowing me to have complete control over the build. The parklike simplicity of it allowed people to focus on what the Quilt meant as well as giving them a quiet spot to connect with their feelings. Thank you.


Secondly I am pleased as punch to be included yet again in Second Pride.

I'm a former soldier, a continuing patriot, and a father raising a son. But as far as I am concerned, as long as one segment of American society is deprived of their constitutional rights, has to walk in fear because of who they love or feel they are, who risk life and limb in public if they dress in the way that soothes their soul the most--or hold hands with their beloved....then this is not truly the land of the free.

My father described being in the Army, while on leave in a small Alabama town in the '50's and standing in shock as a car went by dragging an African American to death down the city street. No..he didn't go to the police...because ..it was most likely a cop driving he was told.Besides, back then that was the way it was.

Is it any different for us now? We are slowly being granted the right to marry and have our own cable channel. Nice. But how many of you can kiss your lover in public without an expression of disgust coming from someone?
How many FtM's do not feel fear walking into a public men's room? Why is AIDS suddenly a non topic these past 8 years? I live in a small farming town in Wisconsin, where it is ok to play "Smear the Queer" in school, but you'll find yourself suspended for playing "N*gger in the Middle" as I used to do as a kid.

Our people are still suffering and dying, and even the most scientific minded will hark back to Genesis (male and female he created them) and of course Leviticus.

We need Second Pride, to reach the world. We hold peaceful protests, and celebrate our humanity.

We also need to point out, how many have died because like Native Americans, and African Americans, it's still acceptable in America... to treats us as though we are not human,because "God said so"

Sorry if I'm a bummer..but it is..the way it is.

Peace..and brownies Jase