Hometown Pride!

I never thought I would live to see the day.

The day when my hometown -- Kokomo, Indiana -- would host it's own LGBTQI Pride Event.

I was thrilled to make it home for the 2nd annual Kokomo Pride Festival, sponsored by Sun King Breweries.

Posing with some of Kokomo Pride's organizers

I was even more thrilled to see so many straight families in attendance, and in support -- despite the sweltering 90+ degree heat.

The "City of Firsts" has come a long, long way since I was a kid -- when one risked serious blowback if they acted "too" gay.

The cherry on top? I got to say a few words, to thank all those brave souls back home, who live out, open & proud lives instead of fleeing to the relative safety of the big cities!

It's folks like them who will bring LGBTQI acceptance coast to coast.

Totally cool, despite the 90+ degree heat!

I even got to do a short live reading of the chapter "I Didn't Choose to be Gay, But ..." from my new book Expletives Not Deleted.

I was a bit terrified, but my husband Laurence and my nieces Charlotte Hall & Leigha Marie were there to cheer me on!

Happiness is being able to hug your husband in your small Indiana hometown!

With Leigha Marie & Charlotte Hall, my nieces who feel like sisters -- I wish they were my daughters!

Thank you, Kokomo, & Kokomo Pride (and Laurence, Leigha & Charlotte!). I can't wait for next year's event!

Taste the Rainbow -- Waiting backstage before my speech