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I'd just like to take a minute and express my
gratitude for everyone who came to Pride and especially those I had a chance to
chat with this past weekend. You know, it says something about our city
when an informal gathering in Loring Park 30-odd years ago has grown into a
weekend celebration of our diversity and common humanity. Although this
was not my first Pride, this was my first time marching and it was an
absolutely incredible experience. The response from the crowd was amazing,
and often times I was very touched by the outpouring of support and
enthusiasm.
When I was going through my coming-out process, I
never imagined that I would be able to run for public office as an openly-gay
man. Although I knew about people like Alan Spear and Barney
Frank, I was afraid that the Christian Right and other groups would spread
their message of intolerance and make it nearly impossible for somebody like me
to be considered a viable candidate. Today, the Minneapolis DFL has
endorsed 4 openly GLBT candidates for the city council and at least one GLBT
candidate for each city elected board. I feel very honored to be running
with such qualified, strong men and women and I have to say that it makes me
proud to be a gay man when I see them.
On a personal note, as somebody who would (someday
in the future) very much like to have a family, seeing the kids and parents
together deeply moved me. I've heard statements like "love makes a family"
but this weekend that statement took on a much more powerful meaning for
me.
For those people who were in Loring Park 30 years
ago, I am honored and touched that I am able to benefit from your work and
activism. And I hope I can live up to the bar that you all set and make
our community a better place to live for all of us (not just the GLBT community)
just as you have done for me. Once again, thank you;
Patrick -- Ward 1, Pct.4
Patrick Peterson for Mpls School Board
"Believe in the promise of tomorrow."
DFL -- Labor -- Progressive MN
ENDORSED
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