I am sending this in what is Pride week here.  I wish you all a great Pride week .

On Pride and those who have passed before us
 
A lot of cities and towns around the world are celebrating PRIDE events this week.  These events are a celebration of a diverse group of people. No one group stands taller; be it gay,lesbian.bisexual,questioning. Pride is about celebrating our individuality as well.  I think amid all the fun and games, going to bars and perhaps parades; we should stop all that ; if even for one minute and celebrate in our hearts and minds those who have passed away; yet live on in us. Although AIDS HIV is not in the forefront of media like it was in the early 80’s ; it is still rampant.
 
I hope during this weeks Pride festivities we take a silent moment and remember those no longer with us and realize how lucky we are and how proud we are to have had them as friends,mothers,fathers,sisters,brothers or partners. I hope we all continue to do what we each can to help those living with HIV and AIDs. Be it financially , the giving of our time and educating ourselves and others on AIDS and HIV. Unlike reported in the early days of the virus; It is not a disease of gays. It is a disease of humans
 
I wish you all a great Pride and the best pride to have is in oneself.
 
Joe Lethbridge June 1st 2012