Deborah's Journal

My friend Jennifer Willis interviewed a gay couple who have been together for 60 years. It's funny and wise, with nuggets of inspiration for all of us, gay/straight/single/couples.

Woodworth: Tied to that is a continual coming out to each other. Whatever it is that we suddenly discover in ourselves, we share. And just coming out basically as a gay person. It is something that builds respect and friendship with other people outside our circle. Even people who aren't allies at the moment become allies because of our honesty. You know, we all have closets to come out of. They're all different, but you have to find out what your closet is and come out. Before that, you're not a whole person. You really aren't.

Marcoux: Sharing our vulnerabilities and being willing to be vulnerable, when it's not going to get you shot or beat up right on the spot. Once you get to doing that, it can become a demanding habit but a really good habit. It's incredible and liberating.

Woodworth: When we come out of our own closest, other people do too.

Northwest love stories: For 60 years, 'there wasn't anything else' | OregonLive.com

In case there's anyone reading my space here who isn't aware of livelongnmarry -- it's a fundraiser to help defeat the initiative on the November California ballot that would deprive gays and lesbians of their right to marry. That's right, would take away a right they presently have. Just a few people, rachelmanija,lady_ganesh, telophase and some other ultimately cool folk, set it up. From July 1 to 15, you can offer or bid on an amazing array of goods and services, lots of "I will write fanfic for you" or "I will send you a care package from Outer Slobovia" to handcrafted jewelry, autographed books, artwork, a knitted rainbow sheep or Hogwarts scarf, caramel brownies, gluten-free peanut brittle, much more. Plus, there's a lovely block-party-across-the-world feeling. Even if you aren't buying or selling, do come enjoy the ambiance.

You can even bid on my offer, an autographed first edition of The Alton Gift.