There has been a controversy where I live in the Borough of Milford, Pennsylvania, over whether to pass a resolution in support of Pride Month. This is conservative area, with groups like The Rod of Iron, a cult that worships the AR-15 led by a son of Rev. Moon, based nearby, and there is opposition in the area to endorsing Pride Month. This column is from remarks I made tonight to the borough commissioners in support of Pride Month. The resolution passed in a unanimous vote.
I was 23 in 1969 and frequented The Stonewall Inn many times but not that night. It was the only place where you could slow dance with someone of the same sex! We were always afraid of the raids. Some gay men committed suicide because the names were printed in the newspapers , and their ostensible straight or married lives would be ruined.. The NY Times used the term perverts or degenerates. Never the term "gay" until much later. Your writing is always inspirational. Your great novel "Dress Gray" also highlights a brave over-achiever at West Point who happened to be gay. As for the first Gay Liberation march which I was on, it went up 6th Ave to Central Park from Sheridan Square. We were only about 150 to 200 people and it was quite scary as well. as liberating! Thank you for standing up for us for Gay Pride Month!
My brother David was one of the finest people I ever knew. He lived through the horrors of being shunned by my family and outsiders because he was gay. He called me to thank me , told me he loved me, and shot himself. I miss him and curse society for costing my brother his life, and me the little brother I love.
This shit is barbaric and one would think that since 1955, the 'battle' to be oneself and accepted is still ongoing, and in many places regressing. It's maddening that it happens here in America.
When will people open their hearts and live and let live? I celebrate Pride Month and send my love to all who are who they are.
So sorry you had to lose your dear brother that way. While we have many more freedoms today I fear the tide may be turning back as our Constitution slowly shreds away.
May 21·edited May 22Liked by Lucian K. Truscott IV
Kudos to you, Lucian, for standing up and letting the borough commissioners of Milford, PA know why supporting Pride Month is in the interest of all Americans. You must have made a very strong impression on the board, located as you are in a conservative bailiwick populated by quite a few ‘ammosexuals,’ not to mention numerous gun stores, for them to pass the resolution in a unanimous vote.
The story of that brave young gay American infantryman in Korea defending his fellow soldiers until cut down by a bullet as he covered their retreat, really puts gay rights into focus. If that young man could be so selfless, despite the bullying, the taunting, and isolation he faced from his unthinking comrades, yet still rise to Do the Right Thing when it counted, even if it cost him his life, kinda puts all this in perspective. Gay rights are really human rights. Like others on here, I was very moved by this true story of real bravery in action.
On the other end of the scale we only need to take a look at the actions of Texas’ Republican Governor Greg Abbot recently pardoning a criminal who had been found Guilty of Murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. With that one act Governor Abbott was telling the world that in his state, it is okay to willfully take the life of another human being as long as you’re a white male and the one you’re killing doesn’t agree with your point of view.
Thanks for sharing, Lucian. You’re an inspiration to the rest of us.
This is in no way intended as a churlish reply to your moving comment, Paul, but: The victim in the Texas pardon episode was punished for supporting the "wrong" cause, BLM; he was in fact white.
May 21·edited May 22Liked by Lucian K. Truscott IV
Sorry, but the victim was a white military veteran—Garrett Foster. The shame is the same whatever his color. Color matters only insofar as the reality is counterintuitive. The dispute is over which branch. BBC describes Foster as an Air Force vet https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-69013312
I knew only because I heard the fact mentioned in a radiio report. It was ignored in almost all print and tv coverage. He was wearing the weapon because he was helping w/ BLM rally security. Abbott's action devastated Foster's parents and quadraplegic fiancée no matter what his or their color. By all reports, he was a real standup guy.
And as I was reading these wonderful words of wisdom, I kept on seeing Trump getting out of service because of so-called bone spurs, and admonishing Senator John McCain’s heroism and that people like you and your family, Mr Truscott, are suckers for serving their country.
What has happened to our country when 45% of our nation’s citizens think this piece of bull dung is fit to lead them?
Thank you for sharing your father's story. We need to be reminded that we all should have the same rights. I'd like to see a renewed fight for the ERA.
Magnificent! You clearly moved many hearts and minds with those remarks. And you are again moving many with this profound column, I'm sure. I remember vividly one evening after dinner on our screened porch when a close friend and colleague told my wife and me that he was gay. We were even closer after that, but it was one of those defining "moments". And if you and I were in the same room, I'd give you a big hug for what you just did. Thanks.
I am unsurprised by your eloquence. Even more so by the message. You give me reassurance that we are not in fact on the precipice, but holding ground for decency and freedom of thought in our country.
King George woulda' finished crushing the rebels if it weren't for the flamboyant flaming Prussian, Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben aka Baron Von Steuben and suspect George Washington and his contemporaries had their own pet names for him. (Yes, am implying much) He, not Clausewitz understood war.
There isn't a conflict that wasn't aided by 2spirit people. They not only served in combat and command they make up the overwhelming majority of 'terps (interpreters) and translators. No single group masters other tongues as quickly as with such precision as 2spirit people. Speaks tonthere intellectual curiosity and rigor. Which is in many ways one reason they long have been despised due to the lack of both in too many Americans.
So, it ain't just the US Mil, it's the US Intelligence agencies, and the State Department. Same in the business world. For fuq sake Americans can barely speak American English never mind multiple tongues and still master whatever profession they choose.
For the life of will nevah evah understand so-called American culture that looks down its nose at the gifts 2spirit brings to every walk of life. My culture reveres them for just that. Will nevah evah get American culture that etched in stone so many under the heading of the other while preaching to the world it is a melting pot. GTFOOH with that bullshit.
My warmest regards and utmost respect to all 2spirit people. May the day come when your nation values you for who and what you are, rather than spit at you for being what you are not.
I had friends at the Stonewall that night. To them, one of the straws that broke the camel's back was the humiliation. The cops who "retreated"? Had the nerve to take shelter in the very place they failed at taking in the ''raid." And they came in and began to insult and tried to continue to arrest the patrons. To say it ended poorly is an understatement.
This rising up came too late for some of my friends. A high school friend who was refused entrance to med school because he sounded.....sounded... effeminate. The university friends, who I was a "beard" for, on more than one occasion, so they could play the game and make it to the next round of interviews at the international bank or the major brokerage house they really wanted to work for. To this day, on it goes. Fear of the unknown and the losing of power to them is what leads to the discrimination against those who do march to a different drummer.
Some of the sweetest songs, the greatest books, the most enlightened commentary, and best politicians are those who march to that different drummer.
This brought tears to my eyes. He gave his life to protect all no matter what he suffered because he was gay. This touched my heart. Thank you, Lucian! In our hearts and our spirit form we are all equal.
You nail it again, Lucien, So simply. So eloquently. So true. I'll be there with you, from my heart to my dear friends who will be there marching, as they always have since Stonewall.
I was 23 in 1969 and frequented The Stonewall Inn many times but not that night. It was the only place where you could slow dance with someone of the same sex! We were always afraid of the raids. Some gay men committed suicide because the names were printed in the newspapers , and their ostensible straight or married lives would be ruined.. The NY Times used the term perverts or degenerates. Never the term "gay" until much later. Your writing is always inspirational. Your great novel "Dress Gray" also highlights a brave over-achiever at West Point who happened to be gay. As for the first Gay Liberation march which I was on, it went up 6th Ave to Central Park from Sheridan Square. We were only about 150 to 200 people and it was quite scary as well. as liberating! Thank you for standing up for us for Gay Pride Month!
My brother David was one of the finest people I ever knew. He lived through the horrors of being shunned by my family and outsiders because he was gay. He called me to thank me , told me he loved me, and shot himself. I miss him and curse society for costing my brother his life, and me the little brother I love.
This shit is barbaric and one would think that since 1955, the 'battle' to be oneself and accepted is still ongoing, and in many places regressing. It's maddening that it happens here in America.
When will people open their hearts and live and let live? I celebrate Pride Month and send my love to all who are who they are.
Your brother is the reason I write what I write.
So sorry you had to lose your dear brother that way. While we have many more freedoms today I fear the tide may be turning back as our Constitution slowly shreds away.
I read your comment out loud to my husband. We were moved and stunned by it. Let us let live. Let us bow our heads for your little brother.
My heart hurts for you, and all other family members who lost their beloved members as a result of the inhumanity of others.
Beautiful Share.. generous of you Celeste
Thanks for sharing and for being the one who loved----I mourn your loss.
Kudos to you, Lucian, for standing up and letting the borough commissioners of Milford, PA know why supporting Pride Month is in the interest of all Americans. You must have made a very strong impression on the board, located as you are in a conservative bailiwick populated by quite a few ‘ammosexuals,’ not to mention numerous gun stores, for them to pass the resolution in a unanimous vote.
The story of that brave young gay American infantryman in Korea defending his fellow soldiers until cut down by a bullet as he covered their retreat, really puts gay rights into focus. If that young man could be so selfless, despite the bullying, the taunting, and isolation he faced from his unthinking comrades, yet still rise to Do the Right Thing when it counted, even if it cost him his life, kinda puts all this in perspective. Gay rights are really human rights. Like others on here, I was very moved by this true story of real bravery in action.
On the other end of the scale we only need to take a look at the actions of Texas’ Republican Governor Greg Abbot recently pardoning a criminal who had been found Guilty of Murder and sentenced to 25 years in prison. With that one act Governor Abbott was telling the world that in his state, it is okay to willfully take the life of another human being as long as you’re a white male and the one you’re killing doesn’t agree with your point of view.
Thanks for sharing, Lucian. You’re an inspiration to the rest of us.
This is in no way intended as a churlish reply to your moving comment, Paul, but: The victim in the Texas pardon episode was punished for supporting the "wrong" cause, BLM; he was in fact white.
Sorry, but the victim was a white military veteran—Garrett Foster. The shame is the same whatever his color. Color matters only insofar as the reality is counterintuitive. The dispute is over which branch. BBC describes Foster as an Air Force vet https://www.bbc.com/news/world-us-canada-69013312
The American Prospect says he was Army https://prospect.org/justice/2024-05-21-governor-texas-white-supremacist-violence-daniel-perry/
Thanks for the clarification. I am going to edit my copy and appreciate your untangling of this whole sordid mess.
I knew only because I heard the fact mentioned in a radiio report. It was ignored in almost all print and tv coverage. He was wearing the weapon because he was helping w/ BLM rally security. Abbott's action devastated Foster's parents and quadraplegic fiancée no matter what his or their color. By all reports, he was a real standup guy.
Thanks again. I was not able to comment further until now (6/9/24). I just upgraded my subscription to Lucian’s newsletter. It is so worth it. 😊
And as I was reading these wonderful words of wisdom, I kept on seeing Trump getting out of service because of so-called bone spurs, and admonishing Senator John McCain’s heroism and that people like you and your family, Mr Truscott, are suckers for serving their country.
What has happened to our country when 45% of our nation’s citizens think this piece of bull dung is fit to lead them?
Lines from the musical 1776:
John Adams:
Is anybody there?
Does anybody care?
Does anybody see what I see?
That brought tears to my eyes! Bravo!!!
Mine, too.
Yes, mine, too.
Thank you for sharing your father's story. We need to be reminded that we all should have the same rights. I'd like to see a renewed fight for the ERA.
Yes!
I couldn’t love you or your dad more, Lucian!
Magnificent! You clearly moved many hearts and minds with those remarks. And you are again moving many with this profound column, I'm sure. I remember vividly one evening after dinner on our screened porch when a close friend and colleague told my wife and me that he was gay. We were even closer after that, but it was one of those defining "moments". And if you and I were in the same room, I'd give you a big hug for what you just did. Thanks.
I am unsurprised by your eloquence. Even more so by the message. You give me reassurance that we are not in fact on the precipice, but holding ground for decency and freedom of thought in our country.
US Mil and 2spiirit people.
King George woulda' finished crushing the rebels if it weren't for the flamboyant flaming Prussian, Friedrich Wilhelm August Heinrich Ferdinand von Steuben aka Baron Von Steuben and suspect George Washington and his contemporaries had their own pet names for him. (Yes, am implying much) He, not Clausewitz understood war.
There isn't a conflict that wasn't aided by 2spirit people. They not only served in combat and command they make up the overwhelming majority of 'terps (interpreters) and translators. No single group masters other tongues as quickly as with such precision as 2spirit people. Speaks tonthere intellectual curiosity and rigor. Which is in many ways one reason they long have been despised due to the lack of both in too many Americans.
So, it ain't just the US Mil, it's the US Intelligence agencies, and the State Department. Same in the business world. For fuq sake Americans can barely speak American English never mind multiple tongues and still master whatever profession they choose.
For the life of will nevah evah understand so-called American culture that looks down its nose at the gifts 2spirit brings to every walk of life. My culture reveres them for just that. Will nevah evah get American culture that etched in stone so many under the heading of the other while preaching to the world it is a melting pot. GTFOOH with that bullshit.
My warmest regards and utmost respect to all 2spirit people. May the day come when your nation values you for who and what you are, rather than spit at you for being what you are not.
It all comes together in this column... and in your remarks to the council.
I had friends at the Stonewall that night. To them, one of the straws that broke the camel's back was the humiliation. The cops who "retreated"? Had the nerve to take shelter in the very place they failed at taking in the ''raid." And they came in and began to insult and tried to continue to arrest the patrons. To say it ended poorly is an understatement.
This rising up came too late for some of my friends. A high school friend who was refused entrance to med school because he sounded.....sounded... effeminate. The university friends, who I was a "beard" for, on more than one occasion, so they could play the game and make it to the next round of interviews at the international bank or the major brokerage house they really wanted to work for. To this day, on it goes. Fear of the unknown and the losing of power to them is what leads to the discrimination against those who do march to a different drummer.
Some of the sweetest songs, the greatest books, the most enlightened commentary, and best politicians are those who march to that different drummer.
I am so glad the commissioners listened to you.
This brought tears to my eyes. He gave his life to protect all no matter what he suffered because he was gay. This touched my heart. Thank you, Lucian! In our hearts and our spirit form we are all equal.
Thank you Lucian from the bottom of my gay heart 🏳️🌈🏳️🌈
Never think you are without allies.
You nail it again, Lucien, So simply. So eloquently. So true. I'll be there with you, from my heart to my dear friends who will be there marching, as they always have since Stonewall.
A sobering testament, Lucian, thanks...
Bravo, Lucian.