eight years gone
Eight years ago, around this time, I was sitting on a bus in the lot by the Pentagon, full mostly of people I hadn’t met until a few days prior. I had traveled to DC with a small group of fellow Chicagoans to join the Lesbian & Gay Bands of America as they marched in the inaugural parade. The LGBA was the first openly gay organization to be invited to march in the parade. The band was made of of members of bands from across the country. Many of the participants were old friends, from years of attending national conventions and events together. For some, like me, this was the first time participating at the national level. But it didn’t matter if it was your day 1 or day 1000 with the LGBA, everyone was immediately your new best friend. The whole event was grueling -- long days, endless practices, freezing weather, lots of time on your feet. You’re exhausted, you haven’t been sleeping well, all you’ve been doing is traveling and go go go, but it’s full of memories I’l...