I always love the way you humanize these stories, Jim, using real folks and their challenges to paint a more vivid picture of the struggles we're all facing.

Presently, we are planning Newport, OR PRIDE in September, as it was last year (our first). We have a very anti-LGBT megachurch growing here and infiltrating into local government and power structure. So, it remains to be seen as to whether we'll meet any more resistance than we did last year... a few threats that gave us pause, but were never manifested.

Our PRIDE planning committee is defiant and determined to go ahead full steam. But, we will be taking extra security precautions. Fortunately, one of the best security companies in the state is gay-owned, headquartered here, and is a very supportive sponsor.