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queerVOICE - UNITY
James Duggan ©2008 |
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My first visit to Philadelphia was in 1976. I came here to walk the Philadelphia Bicentennial Trail of Freedom. I was only in town for a few hours but the experience left a lasting impression on a then 16-year-old kid. I next returned to Philadelphia in 1992 to continue my studies and quickly fell in love with this beautiful city. In 1994, I made the decision that I would call Philly my home and start a life here.
Flash forward 14 years and I'm just as happy with my decision to relocate here and to have planted my roots for all this time. Philadelphia is truly a great city, not just for its fascinating history or its spectacular architecture, but for its neighborhoods and its people. Everyday unsung heroes toil to make our lives better and more secure in this city of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection.
Advocates, directors, managers, members of boards, glorious volunteers, and strong-hearted staffers provide care and services to our youth and seniors, our sick and disenfranchised, and our poor and rich alike. All are sharing their time and talents for the greater good of the queer community. I am reminded of a thought I heard many years ago: I will always be enthralled by the good works of others for they lift me up from the doldrums of life and give light to my darkness.
All of these contributors of and to the queer community should be applauded and commented, for these are the true leaders of our community, the daily unsung heroes who give voice to those whose voice would not be heard if not for them.
Qt celebrates the hundreds of individuals who give and serve and lead for the good of others, in all of the queer community's diversity. Let us embrace that diversity, forever making us strong and whole, and never allowing our differences divide us.
The time is now to resolve those issues and personalities that endanger the health and well-being of our thriving local queer community that tend to separate us. We don't need factions, opposing camps, or divisiveness.
As the optimistic and empowering message from Mayor Michael Nutter clearly demonstrates about the present and future of Philadelphia, it is important to be united, focused and active in the affairs of the City of Brotherly Love and Sisterly Affection. Beyond all of our everyday lives, we must be ready to fight (and win) even bigger battles like queer civil rights.
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What It Looks Like From Here
A Qt Exclusive
Thom Cardwell ©2008 |
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