Gaining acceptance at Wheaton parade

Wheaton's Fourth of July parade could easily be defined as one massive homecoming. Folks who have traveled many paths that never intersect for 12 long months find themselves drawn together by an invisible, singular yearning to reassemble yet again in one grand celebration of communal freedom.

Red, white and blue reign supreme among colors. Families reunite to affirm once again the sacredness of tradition. Predictions of extremely high temperatures made me anxious this year, so I armed myself with every imaginable heat-beating remedy in anticipation of the very worst. PFLAG DuPAGE (Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians & Gays) is a local chapter of a nationwide support organization for those whose lives have been impacted by the social stigmas attached to gay people. This marks the seventh year of our participation in the parade. Reception from parade-goers has changed slowly but steadily since our first appearance in 2003 from obvious hostility or palpable indifference to the almost constant applauding and cheers of encouragement and gratitude on Sunday.

Many faces reflect endless stories of rejection and fear. On behalf of PFLAG DuPAGE, I want to express our deepest heartfelt thanks and appreciation to all those along the route who reaffirmed the rightness of our efforts in rendering unequivocal acceptance, support and love to those still suffering rejection and humiliation for merely being who they are. Again, thank you.

Marianne Avery

Wheaton