Beaming with PRIDE
by Skip Sheffield and Steve Charing
Another Pride is upon us. 2010 was a monumental year for gay rights. Five states (Iowa, Vermont, New Hampshire, Massachusetts, Connecticut) and the District of Columbia now permit same-sex marriage. And we're on the cusp of repealing the discriminatory "Don't Ask, Don't Tell" policy.
We’ve also seen advancement to the lgbt movement in Hollywood with two TV shows that represent the community in a glowing light – Glee and Modern Family – becoming smash hits.
Sure, there have been some steps backward too – California’s Prop 8, the Maine referendum - but now is the time to reflect on our accomplishments. We polled various members of the community—in and out of Baltimore—on what they are most proud of and how they plan to celebrate the hi-holiest day of the gay year.
The feeling of imprisonment is one that I have encountered often throughout my life, simply because I was never what society would call normal. At age 13, I began to question my sexuality, because I found myself more attracted to females then males. When these questions conquered my daily thoughts, I began to look into homosexuality. And from my results, it was clear that homosexuality was not favored, and considered immoral or irregular. I read certain passages in the Bible such as Corinthians (6: 9, 10) where it states, “The sexually immoral, idolaters, adulterers, passive homosexual partners, practicing homosexuals, 10 thieves, the greedy, drunkards, the verbally abusive, and swindlers will not inherit the kingdom of God.” 
The road is long
Phillip Pessar: Down and Out in Miami Beach
