PRIDE - To have self-respect"

                                        There have been many Pride Celebrations throughout the world during the past few months and we have many things to be proud about. Here in our beloved state of Connecticut we are protected by equal rights legislation as well as the recognition of same sex marriage. We've come a long way since the days of Stonewall, but we have a long way to go. We are still faced with far too many "hate crimes" and gay and lesbian school kids still have a huge hurdle to overcome. Young people learn to hate from their parents so the wheels of distrust, fear of the unknown and many times, misunderstanding of their own identity, creates an ongoing battle of enlightenment.  As members of Prime Timers we are mature and have fought our own demons and many of us have struggled with our own sexual identity, so it is up to us to attempt to pass on the baton of tolerance. What can we pass on to the next generation? Well, let's start with PRIDE!  As the lyrics from a song in Le Cage Aux Folles proclaim, "We are who we are".  We are proud to support organizations such as "True Colors", an organization founded by Robin Mchaelen that serves GLBT youths during their transition period in schools and at home, many of which have been thrown out of their home because of their sexual orientation. We can help that cause by volunteering to mentor - to pass on the baton of self pride.  But our first objective must be to have pride in our very own organization.  I'm proud to be a Prime Timer. Are you? Do you attend meetings regularly?  Let all of us look inward and ask, "Are we really proud."