Letter to the editor:
I always regretted that I did not attend the gay march in Washington in 1979, and I have no excuse for not being there this time. I seldom join gay organizations because they kowtow to the corporate 500, rather than gays of all ages, who can not afford to attend black-tie events. However, I was at the Aug. 29 "Evening with Cleve Jones" event, as noted in [ the Sept. 2 ] Windy City Times. I was inspired by Cleve's words and leadership, and also impressed with a group of new young gay activists in the "Join the Impact/Chicago Chapter, who only charged $5 to meet with, listen and talk to Cleve Jones. It was a memorable night for the 300 attendees.
I am taking advantage of their bus trip ( only $100 round-trip ) to be in Washington D.C. for the "Equality Now" march [ on Oct. 11 ] . I urge everyone, no matter their age, to join in this important moment in gay history. I also notice that 140 so-called gay leaders have endorsed this worthy event, but I hope they remain silent and allow the torch to be passed to this new generation of gay-rights fighters. I also hope they listen to what these new "Cleve-like" activists have to say, and how to make changes happen now!
I knew both Harvey Milk and Cleve Jones, and was in the front lines of the early gay-rights movement in San Francisco during the 1970s. I left Chicago in the 1960s because being or knowing someone "queer" was considered taboo. Times have changedand, yes, we have made progress but the progress has been slow. This march can help make a difference, to help get all gays the equal rights we deserve in marriage, the armed forces and everyday life. This fight started long ago, but with your help we have just begun to win.
Jerry Pritikin
Chicago