Forty years ago, riots erupted in NYC’s Greenwich Village over raids at the Stonewall Inn. The four days of riots sparked and marked Gay Pride Movement, through forty years of progress and setbacks, of visibility and inclusion, HIV/AIDS activism which has prompted global health initiatives.

Let us not forget Matthew Shepard, Angie Zapata, Gwen Araujo and the hundreds of others murdered annually  because of their sexual identity here in the U.S. and abroad.

Hopefully, before the 45 anniversary this country will have repealed of  DOMA and DADT, and passed civil  marriage equality, ENDA, and adoptions by same-sex sex and single parents in all states.

 Happy Pride, LGBTQ from someone who is proud and inspired to be your ally.