Dear Reader,
The Supreme Court is full of surprises. Just when we thought that the rights of all minorities were likely to be gutted—in time—the court released a 6-3 decision to affirm the rights of all lgbtq workers to be protected from discrimination and firing by employers, based on Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964. On the basis of sex, can you believe it? Heady stuff.
The timing couldn’t be more breathtaking, coming as it does in the very middle of this perfect storm of a June. Covid-19, Black Lives Matter, and Pride, all in one great swirl. And now the Court ruling. One of the few good things to come from the Covid-19 pandemic is that it has squashed the squabbles about parade routes and who should march. That leaves us free to celebrate, alone and together, the fifty-year legacy of Stonewall—which is precious indeed.
As we celebrate—and demonstrate—let’s remember all the work that remains to be done. There was news this week of a young gay man who recovered from the virus and wanted to donate blood, in the hope that the antibodies in his plasma could ease the suffering of other victims. Best I can figure, New York has bent the federal rules to allow blood donations from gay men who have been celibate for only three months—instead of a year.
All of this, despite the fact that modern blood testing can instantly screen out contagions, from HIV to XYZ. Our hero showed up at New York Blood Bank—a nonprofit, apparently—and went through screening. He met the New York criteria, of course. But he was turned away—politely—because the facility was not up to speed on New York ordinance. He then went to a public blood bank, which was pleased to receive his donation, of course. So, it ended rather well.
I’m not saying that what this guy went through was anything like a knee to the neck. But it’s troubling, nevertheless. My husband has been telling me for years that American Jews are living in a fool’s paradise of assimilation and safety, and so am I. He’s right, of course. The uptick in hate crimes against gays and Jews is alarming. So let’s be mindful as we hold all our siblings in our hearts this glorious month.
Thanks for joining me. I’ll have some publishing updates next time. IT’S THEIR WAY is moving right along into print, and before long—maybe even late July—I’ll be able to give you a sneak preview of the fall release, SUCH A GOOD MAN. Stay safe!
Bruce
PS: The photos below are a collage of some of my favorite Pride pictures from the years when I showed up with my Nikons on Christopher Street every year. We used to carry a step stool so I could get a good vantage point. And Walter got very good at changing film while I was snapping away. And then we went to dinner somewhere in the Village. Sweet times. These shots are all from somewhere around 2000, I think.
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