1980 "Meeting the Needs of Gay and Lesbian Students"

March 1, 1980. "Meeting the Needs of Gay and Lesbian Students: A Conference for College Counselors, Chaplains and Administrators," is held at the First Unitarian Church in Dallas, organized by the Gay Academic Union/North Texas. Several people from Denton take part: North Texas State University students Suzan Davis and Marc Lerro, faculty member Edra Bogle, and University Ministry Center Director Ted Karpf. The conference features Don Clark of San Francisco, author of numerous books including the best-selling "Loving Someone Gay." About fifty professionals from fifteen area colleges attend, including three from T.W.U. No personnel from N.T.S.U. attend except for the participants. (http://ally.unt.edu/content/glbt-history-denton)

1978 Harvey Milk flirts with me at Texas Gay Conference V in Dallas

I was 20 years old and already a budding activist for equality. In 1978 I suspended my college studies and began working for Larry Lingle at Lobo Book Shop while I decided if I was on the right track in school. I was an openly gay man active in Democratic Party politics in Dallas and in Texas.

In the fall of 1978, the Texas Gay Conference V was held in Dallas. It was an annual gathering of gay men and lesbians beginning to organize on social and political issues. The star billing for the conference was San Francisco City Supervisor Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected to public office in the United States.

Throughout the conference, Harvey flirted with me, and I appreciated the extra attention. I was by far the youngest person there, and definitely handsome with my blow-dry wings and shoulder-length hair, my 501 jeans, and my flannel shirts.

A few weeks later, Harvey Milk was gone.

Dad turns 93!

Five generations gather to celebrate. Pictured: Mason, Cierra, Cauline, Jacob, Rick, Jerry, Kyle, Jackie, Ash, Rachel, Marc.

Challenger 25 Year Ago

As communications director for the Dallas Epilepsy Association I was setting up the sign-in desk for our awards luncheon at the Hyatt Regency Reunion Hotel. We started to get word of an accident with the space shuttle. It sounded bad. Our board president, Donna Richards, welcomed everyone to the luncheon and then offered a prayer.

Blowoff, MAL Market, Ben & Ray

Blowoff is a fun dance party that rolls into DC every few months. Terry and I had a blast, along with our friends Ben and Ray. We also browsed the MAL Market, had brunch at Banana Cafe, and strolled through Eastern Market.

2011 begins with the Kennedy Center & plans for European travel

2011 began with the National Symphony Orchestra at the Kennedy Center and the party in the Grand Foyer. Terry and I had a blast. Terry also decided that we should return to Iceland, Paris, and Oktoberfest later in 2011. Here are some pictures from previous trips (Iceland 2007), and Oktoberfest 2010.

As 2010 winds down, we remember...
- a midwinter trip to Walt Disney World
- Marc’s sister’s death and father’s 92nd birthday
- Snowpocalypse in February—all 54 inches!
- All About Me on Broadway
- a good friend’s cancer and amazing recovery
- Marc’s week at Ground Zero and Ellis Island
- Take Me Out and graves of Tyler and Monroe
- Terry’s London conference and first retirement
- a death in Austin of our friend Bruce
- Colonial Williamsburg & rooftop cigars in Dupont
- Mary Poppins and Hair at the Kennedy Center
- Terry’s niece’s wedding and uncle’s death
- The Jersey Boys on Broadway with Terry’s family
- Les Ballets Trockadero with friends
- The Sound of Music at Wolf Trap
- Oktoberfest, Salzburg, Passion Play, and Black Forest
- Thanksgiving in Bedford Springs, Pennsylvania
- Marc’s week with Federal Air Marshals
- a candlelight tour of Mount Vernon
- and a Christmas eve with Terry’s family.

We celebrate our own good health and security,
a major promotion for Marc, and a new federal
job for Terry.

Now, let’s all look ahead. As Dolly Parton says, you can’t go forward if you’re watching the rear view mirror of life.