On Pride
To pick up the theme of the weekend:
"The ability for people of different sexual determinations to stand up and be counted wherever we can is as important now as ever. Individual hatred and institutional prejudice remain widespread, and in too many countries, expressing that sexuality can still result in persecution, imprisonment and even death. Where we can display our unity, we must, as much on behalf of those who can't as on our own.
So I just thought I'd ... offer a few words on the subject of pride.
To me, pride is about standing up when the world wants you to lie down, and having the confidence to say 'yes' when the world is saying 'no'. Pride in oneself, and the knowledge that who and what you are is valid and good, is a gift of immeasurable value. Pride lets you stand up to the bigoted and the ignorant. I've never been ashamed of my sexuality, but I've occasionally been afraid of what other people might do out of their hatred: It was my pride which got me past that fear. And it's helped me to help others get past their own.
Pride is strength in adversity. Pride is companionship and support. Pride is a wonderful thing to find.
Pride - is no sin."