I want so badly to go to Pride. I can't.

[Not Heidi]

I had foot surgery on April 23. Long Beach Pride is May 18-19; that's just eleven days away. That's too soon to be on my feet for hours.

Chances are I'll be able to go to Orange County Pride, which set for October 5. I really don't want to miss OC Pride. I live in Orange County, and OC was my first Pride. At the time, I'd only come out to my sisters. All my friends went to an evangelical church (so did I) and I hadn't yet come out to anyone there. I was terrified of taking that step.

I was very proud to be at a Pride festival, very proud of myself. Now I'm 61. I lived a whole lifetime in the closet and have lived a longer lifetime out. I know who I am - I'm powerful and free - and I want to spend a day with family.

This is a little disorganized; thanks for listening anyway. My peeps. My family.