Lesbians and Gays Overtake Montpelier
Come Out, Come Out, Whoever You Are
Vermonters Attend Nat'l L/G Health Conference
Out at the Democratic National Convention
Where the Candidates Stand on Gay Rights
VT L/G Rights Activist Receives Award/Appointment
Kunin Addresses L/G Vermonters
Kunin Addresses L/G Vermonters
This letter was read at the Lesbian and Gay Pride Rally on June 11, 1988
Dear Vermonters:
I regret that I cannot be with you to celebrate this sixth annual Vermont Lesbian and Gay Pride Day. This rally reminds us that we must not allow ignorance, prejudice or invidious stereotyping to deny any citizen the full enjoyment of his or her constitutional rights. Because of your marches, we as a state have moved forward in recognizing those rights.
I am proud of the accomplishments of this recent legislative session. Senate passage of the anti-discrimination bill was a milestone that allowed for vigorous debate and a great deal of education. We will continue this debate and we shall pass an anti-discrimination law. This progress plus the passage of the AIDS insurance testing bill and the human rights commission would not have been possible without the hard work of the Vermont Coalition of Lesbian and Gay Men.
The theme of today's march and rally is "Celebrate." So let's celebrate. Let's celebrate the coalition and the progress made these past six years. Let's celebrate the inherent value of each individual. Neither Vermont nor this nation can afford to do with out the creativity, skills and contribution of our gay and lesbian citizens.
And, as we celebrate, let us hope that the hour will soon come when we can move beyond today's struggles to greater victories.
Sincerely yours,
(signed)
Madeline M. Kunin
Governor