Below is a letter I wrote to the editor of the local paper.

A vision of community, that is what I saw demonstrated this past Saturday at Clarksville Pride 2006. As most of you know society generally doesn't portray the Gay, Lesbian, Bi-sexual, and Transgender (GLBT) community in the best light. Almost 900 people, both locals and others from across the region attended this year..

This is the first event of this nature that I have attended. What I discovered was a group of people who were non-judgmental, who accepted everyone that came for who, and what they were. This is a rare find in modern society and something we need more of.

There was live music, food, art, literature, and more importantly a sharing of points of view. Speakers during the day promoted the message everyone is a member of the human race and should be treated as such irregardless of their sexual orientation or viewpoints. Noted speakers included:

Sirus radio political commentator, and author Michelangelo Signorile.

Actress, author, artist and a survivor of local gay intolerance Calpernia Addams. She was the transsexual who was in a relationship with Fort Campbell Soldier Barry Winchell when he was brutally murdered by his fellow soldiers in 1999, because they thought that he was gay. The movie Soldier's girl was based on her story. You can also read more about her life at www.calpernia.com

Conspicuous by their absence were official representatives of the city, county, and state government. Hopefully they will consider attending next year and show their support for tolerance in the community.

Clarksville Pride is an event everyone should attend next year, if you attended this year or not. It will provide you with a unique and personal perspective on a slice of our society and you could not help but to come away richer for the experience.