I want so badly to go to Pride. I can't.

[Not Heidi]

I had foot surgery on April 23. Long Beach Pride is May 18-19; that's just eleven days away. That's too soon to be on my feet for hours.

Chances are I'll be able to go to Orange County Pride, which set for October 5. I really don't want to miss OC Pride. I live in Orange County, and OC was my first Pride. At the time, I'd only come out to my sisters. All my friends went to an evangelical church (so did I) and I hadn't yet come out to anyone there. I was terrified of taking that step.

I was very proud to be at a Pride festival, very proud of myself. Now I'm 61. I lived a whole lifetime in the closet and have lived a longer lifetime out. I know who I am - I'm powerful and free - and I want to spend a day with family.

This is a little disorganized; thanks for listening anyway. My peeps. My family.

[Behind the Aegis]

1. If you have people to go with you, could you rent a wheelchair?

Perhaps the local group could help you out. Give them a call and see if they have any services that might help you attend.

Feel better soon!

[OldBaldy1701E]

2. I would also suggest you get some folks to check out some of the thrift stores.

I see decent wheelchairs in the ones around here all the time.

[Not Heidi]

4. Thank you, OldBaldy

I have a good start in that department.

[Not Heidi]

3. we do have a good start - we have an inherited wheelchair

Yes, I would have to find someone to push it for me. On your advice, I'd ask the organization if they have a type of volunteer corps for the purpose of helping folks in my situation. My wife is elderly and not exactly frail, but she wouldn't be capable of pushing me for a good portion of the day. I could ask my eldest nephew, but that would involve first telling him where we're going and asking him how he'd feel about going to a pride festival. (I don't know how he identifies; I only know that he's not 100% straight.)

I appreciate your input. Thanks for your reply.

[Behind the Aegis]

5. I hope you do get to go.

The organization may have those who can help out. I also think in that area there is a support group (?) for older GLBT people. When I was in Long Beach years ago and at one of the bars, the group....I wish I could remember the name....was there collecting donations. I think "silver" was in the name, but it was 20 something years ago and, well, I can't remember.

Of course, sadly, man LGBT groups and bars have collapsed, so, who knows.

I wish you the best and can't wait to hear a report on how much fun you, your wife, and maybe nephew, had!

[Not Heidi]

6. Thank you, BtA

I do hope I get to go. Something tells me it'll work out.

I appreciate your support.

PS Could you maybe be thinking of a bar called the Silver Fox? It's been so long since I've even driven through Long Beach that I don't know if it's still there.

[Behind the Aegis]

7. It is always possible I was confusing the name of the bar, but I do know there was a group there.

They were raising funds for older queer people who were in need. At that time, I was 35 or so, but I still donated, because, well, it is the right thing to do and I was hoping I would eventually get to the point where I would be an "elderly gay"....and her I am at almost 55! LOL! Success!

[Not Heidi]

9. 55 is YOUNG

Remember, BtA: age is unimportant, unless you are a cheese.

[Skittles]

8. you're not in the closet with us

[Not Heidi]

10. Skittles!

So great to see you. right back, darlin'.

[Skittles]

11. WOO!

[Timeflyer]

12. Love your spirit, but don't risk it--foot surgery recovery, depending on the type, can take a while.

[Not Heidi]

13. Thank you, Timeflyer. 😎 n/t

[AllaN01Bear]

14. i miss going to folsom street fair. i wanted to goto sf pride one time but my heart had other idears.

[Kalifornia9]

15. S.F Pride is June 29th/30th.

If you anticipate healing up to fly, do that. Make reservations soon though.
My adoptive son is flying in, we're staying in Pleasanton and BART in. With Black Bear Diner right across the street, yum.
It's special to me because it will be his first Pride celebration!