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We’re loud and proud, and we like to get a little “out of the norm”, I guess. It’s like Santa Cruz, where anything goes. I remember the day I first got to Soquel I picked-up the Gazette and was reading while eating my tacos and drinking a Pacifico with a lime. There was an entry about a “tutu tête-à-tête” at The Lane (if you’ve ever spent any time in Canna Screws, you know The Lane on West Cliff). I was surprised with joy to find dozens of guys riding unicycles and wearing pink tutu’s!

Admittedly, at first it was a bit strange, but within minutes I had introduced myself and had conversations and they were guys just like me. I’m not sure I’d ever wear a tutu or learn to ride a unicycle, but they were software engineers, professors, cops and lawyers just out having a great time celebrating Pride - and that’s something I can get behind. Didn’t matter which way they batted, they were people having a great time.

I’ve never been homophobic but, being straight, it’s just not my experience. Giving straight people the opportunity to not be phobic might be the key. Not saying it’s a duty or responsibility, but it might be a keen path of least resistance.

As a straight dude I get out and cheer for anyone who has the freedom to be who they are, and in my town, everyone can do that - and it’s wonderful!

That experience is EXACTLY the hope behind each and every Pride event that is held (sometimes at great risk) in every town, city, and nieghborhood in America.

I'd like to suggest that you write about that experience, in a little more depth, and offer it as an article to any of the pro-LGBTQ publications you might find. As I mentioned, people put themselves at some risk to hold these events, even to attend them, and your honest story of WHY could re-affirm to many that their efforts are certainly worth it.