I will never forget my first Pride parade in New York City in 1990. Things were tough then for a lot of us; AIDS was nearing the height of its killing force and an epidemic of queer bashing and broken out in lower Manhattan. You might have thought the million or so folks who showed up to march and watch didn't have a lot to be joyful about. But, oh my God, joy crackled in the air like lightning.

Your speaking of your experience as an epiphany reminded me of that.