EVENT: Come Out With Pride Orlando

[This entry is ATF.]

I don't think that I could describe this experience and give it the justice it deserves. I will say that this year's festivities were much improved compared to last year: the entertainment schedule, the logistics, and the area was managed better, and the attendance/participation numbers were so much greater.

Going into to it alone but not totally cold, I found familiar faces and was able to catch up with a number of friends -- David, Rick, Al, and some guys from OFRW. I wore my beige-orange going-to-Disney shorts, olive green Colorado t-shirt, blue-white NB shoes (w/ChampionChip), and my rainbow suspenders. I carried around my red "Disney"-bag, and felt good-to-go.

The parade had more than 1000 participants (so we were told), but what was the best thing about it, was the fact that Disney had sent a carriage with a set of horses to the event. As far as being "Out and Proud", Universal Studios is still ahead, but Disney's entry showed how important and influential the gay segment of the population is in this area. And that makes me smile. That, and all the swag (free stuff) I managed from the parade.

I had finished a 12 mile run with Loran, Dave, and Robin that morning, and though my stomach wasn't an angel, I was able to manage the issue well, and I did stay in Orlando until abou 6:30pm -- a respectable showing on my part.

On the way home, I stopped by the Tea House and hung out with Pom, Mike, Steven, Tiffany, and Maribel for a couple hours. It's been a long time, and it was a relief to see them and spend time with them again. I may not be the party animal I was before, but I'm feeling more comfortable with who I am and in recognizing my limitations.