Stonewall – Forty Years On

It is 40 years since the Stonewall riots which kickstarted the modern gay human rights movement. In forty years, things have changed a great deal though there is lots to do yet.

I was asked this week if I would go to Edinburgh to speak at Pride Scotia, the annual Scottish Gay Pride march and celebration. Thus it was that at 1230 yesterday I was standing on the top of an open-topped bus alongside some a number of politicians addressing the addressing the assembled crowd through a slightly underpowered microphone system. Along with the politicians I was also asked to carry the banner at the front of the march. As you can probably tell from this photograph, it did rain, just a little, on our parade. However spirits were not dampened. (There are lots more pics being uploaded to Flickr – see here).

Thanks to those Episcopalians who showed up. It is always great to know you have friends in an unpredicatable crowd.

As it was, there was a certain amount of whooping and a-hollering when it was my turn.

Here is what I said: [Read more…]

Speaking to the Proud throng

I feel very privileged to have received an invitation to speak to the crowd at tomorrow’s Pride Scotia march in Edinburgh. That means that I will be speaking unto the crowd at 1230 ish from the upper-deck of an open topped bus outside the City Chambers in Edinburgh.

Scottish Episcopalians who want to join the march together are encouraged to meet at the top of Carrubers Close at 12 noon. Carrubers Close is the set of steps up from Jeffrey Street to the Royal Mile which have Old St Paul’s side entrance half way up. Kimberly will be waiting at the top of the stairs to rally the troops. Dress: clerical shirt (optional) + ear plugs + white knot + rainbows. (Steal the regalia from a Cursillista if necessary). Straight friends and family members are particularly welcome.

I’ll be speaking about the worldwide white knot movement seeking equal rights for gay and lesbian couples to tie the knot.