National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration Begins Today In Philadelphia
By Cherri Gregg
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) -- The LGBT civil rights movement began in Philadelphia 50 years ago this 4th of July -- and to mark the milestone -- the city is kicking off a national four day celebration. Events begin today and include appearances by LGBT pioneers, entertainers and more.
The National LGBT 50th Anniversary Celebration includes panels, a screening of the documentary "Gay Pioneers," parties, fireworks, concerts and more and is said to be the nation's largest celebration of its kind.
It'll attract those that began the movement 50 years ago, along with those who help make each success possible along the way.
"I cried pretty much the entire time Justice Kennedy spoke," says James Obergefell, when asked about his reaction to the Supreme Court decision to grant a right to marry to all. He was in the SCOTUS courtroom last Friday, with a picture of his late husband John Arthur in his pocket, the man whose love was the reason he took up the fight.
"I cried the entire time," says Obergfell, "we never thought we would see marriage in our lifetimes-- we never thought it was possible."
Obergerfell is traveling from Cincinnati to Philadelphia to celebrate the win here in Philadelphia. He'll take the stage alongside Edie Windsor, the plaintiff in the case that struck down the federal DOMA.
"This movement literally launched with 40 activists were brave enough to step forward," says Malcolm Lazin, chair of the celebration. "For gays to go from what were considered degenerate citizens to first class citizens is a remarkable tribute."
Walter Naegle understands what difference a few decades can make. When he fell in love with the late Bayard Rustin in 1977, marriage equality was a dream. Rustin, who was on the front line of the Black civil rights movement and instrumental in the planning of the March on Washington, adopted Naegle as his son to protect their relationship.
"My mother had to legally disown me and a social worker came into our home," explains Naegle, who was 37 years his junior. The couple stayed together for a decade, until Rustin died. Naegle says the news that marriage equality is now a reality was bittersweet.
"I was elated and tearful at times, thinking about what Bayard and I may have done had this been possible 30 years ago," he says.
But in many ways, the struggle for equality continues. In many states, including Pennsylvania, people can discriminate against LGBTs. There is no law banning discrimination at work, in housing or in accommodations. Other issues, include severe intolerance, hate crimes and homelessness among LGBT youth.
Fear, guilt and shame kept Andy Goodling in the closet for years. But while in college at Temple University, Goodling met and fell in love with Bryan Hessert. They became best friends, shared their sexuality and truly opened their hearts. But that freedom with one another did not translate to openness among family and friends.
"We kept our relationship a secret," says Goodling, "I want anyone that is struggling with their own identify they're not alone."
The secret stayed that way, even when Hessert became gravely ill and was hospitalized.
"He didn't feel comfortable speaking to me on the phone fearing his parents would find out," he says.
When Goodling died last year, his parents knew nothing of his homosexuality or deep love for Goodling.
"They truly didn't know who their son was..and that was tragic," he says.
Goodling eventually came out to his parents and put his story on Youtube as a lesson. The story went viral.
"It's not worth it to keep anything a secret and unfortunately, I learned that the hard way," he says.
Over the next four days, Goodling will stand as a youth pioneer as part of the National LGBT Anniversary Celebration. The main highlight is the one hour ceremony outside of Independence Mall on July 4th. Comedian Wanda Sykes is the emcee. More at www.lgbt50th.org.
