February 2004 PPGLCC Awards Speech

Good evening and thank you for that warm introduction. It is an honor to be with you tonight at this wonderful event. The Thomas G. Martin Activist of the Year Award is something that has a very special place in my heart. Thom, and Norm, proved that one person can indeed make a difference and the winners of this year's award are a testament to the indomitable power of the human spirit.

If I may digress for just a moment, I would like you to try and take an objective look at this extraordinary organization of which you are supporters. The battle lines have been drawn. Lawrence v. Texas and this weeks Massachusetts Supreme Court ruling have shown us that the time has come to speak up. This battle wont be won on Christopher Street, or Dupont Circle or the Castro. This battle will be won in the cities, towns and rural areas across America where small acts of heroism will make the difference.

The Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center is one of the places where we will win this battle. You are a role model for the rest of the country to follow. With only a small number of resources you manage to provide a range of services and support that puts the community centers in most major cities to shame. You should be justly and rightfully proud of your accomplishments, particularly in view of the fact that you do this on the doorstep of those who most strenuously oppose our rights.

Tonight's honorees, Juliet Draper and Pam Jones, are two of the reasons that we are one day going to win this battle. With little regard for their own safety or comfort, they have spoken up. They have spoken up for what is fair and just. They have put a public face to the intrinsic unfairness of denying benefits to our loved ones and they have done this, not because they sought fame or notoriety, but because it was simply the right thing to do. They have done this because remaining silent means complicity in our own subjugation. They have done this because they had no choice.

Because of this, it is my great honor and privilege on behalf of the Pikes Peak Gay and Lesbian Community Center to present to Juliet Draper and Pam Jones, the Thomas G Martin Activist of the Year Award.