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We met at the local courthouse around 11:30 this morning. There were, by my count, three local television news vans there, along with at least two radio stations represented (one of them is the one for whom I have done some on-air work). I was informed that the speakers were all there by special invitation (I am even more honored that I was asked), and that the director of the largest and most powerful GLBT organization in the state would be there as well. He arrived just before I was scheduled to speak and spoke to the crowd briefly, after which he was interviewed by one of the TV folks. There were, in addition to the professional crews, about 8 or 9 other cameras of all sorts (video mostly, but some stills as well). One poor unfortunate photog, apparently not able to get close to the real celebs, asked me for a picture, which I was happy to provide. The real kicker at the event, for me, was the relatively large number of former students of mine, and the response from them when I spoke. It only reaffirmed that I really do love my students, and am very proud of them. They are courageous and visionary. I'm straight too, but there comes a time when those with a voice must speak up for those who have been muted by the social environment; to do otherwise is to risk losing the richness of our once progressive society.
I enjoyed the event a great deal and hope that I will be approached again. For all of the old hippies at DU, this is a movement that warrants our attention. It is time to take our heads out of the sand and stop being afraid to speak out. I will be the first to admit that I had a few moments when I questioned whether or not this was a 'wise career move', but decided that not getting involved would not only make me a hypocrite, but a traitor to my own discipline. Onward and upward!
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