On June 29, a small contingent of Westchester NOW members joined the LINK of Rockland County at the Gay Pride March in Manhattan. Since the Supreme Court had just ruled the Texas "Homosexual Conduct Law" violated the Constitution's right to privacy, the mood at the march was optimistic.

As in previous years, the march was festive with floats, music, banners, slogans and a wide array of gender-bending attire. Yet there were somber moments as well, such as the moment of silence that takes place during the march every year at two o'clock in honor of those who have died of AIDS.

Religious groups, labor groups, racial, ethnic, regional and national groups, lesbian and gay veterans, members of the New York City police force, university groups, social groups, the Lesbian Herstory Archives, Parents and Friends of Lesbians and Gays, and countless others participate in the Gay Pride March. In all, an estimated 500,000 marchers and many thousands more spectators filled Fifth Avenue and various streets in Greenwich Village along the route. In the Village, the march passed the Stonewall Inn, site of the historic riots in 1969 that gave rise to the Gay Rights Movement.

This year, the counter-protesters who used to stand across the street from St. Patrick's Cathedral with signs reading "This is an abomination" and You'll burn in Hell" were gone. Thus, lesbians, gay men, bisexuals and the transgendered were able to enjoy unimpeded this annual event at which we are empowered both by being in each other's company and being in the vast majority.

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