It might not have been illegal to be gay in the 70's, but being open about it could lead to problems. Nevertheless, I openly participated in several gay rights organizations and marched in public too.
I recall one rally in a park, and prior to it starting, there were cops everywhere, and they were clearly looking for something. I thought maybe there was a lost kid, but it turned out there was a bomb threat and they were looking for that, but didn't want to cause a stampede, either.
Probably the most anxious I ever got was at an AIDS march in the 80s. We had several people in our group that were positive, and identifiable as such, and some had pretty serious health issues to be undertaking a long parade route on foot on a hot day. Besides being worried about negative reactions (or worse) from the spectators, it seemed a miracle no one needed an ambulance for their illness flaring up. Brian was there too. He was so brave, and so fucking sick with it, but he refused to stay home or watch from the sidelines.
I recall one rally in a park, and prior to it starting, there were cops everywhere, and they were clearly looking for something. I thought maybe there was a lost kid, but it turned out there was a bomb threat and they were looking for that, but didn't want to cause a stampede, either.
Probably the most anxious I ever got was at an AIDS march in the 80s. We had several people in our group that were positive, and identifiable as such, and some had pretty serious health issues to be undertaking a long parade route on foot on a hot day. Besides being worried about negative reactions (or worse) from the spectators, it seemed a miracle no one needed an ambulance for their illness flaring up. Brian was there too. He was so brave, and so fucking sick with it, but he refused to stay home or watch from the sidelines.
The granting of a pardon is an imputation of guilt, and the acceptance a confession of it.
