Celebratory Toast honoring Supreme Court decisions (Robin Gibson photo)

It is impossible to think about anything other than the groundbreaking decisions handed down by the Supreme Court Wednesday. And since we’re heading into a week of celebrations honoring our country’s freedoms, I can’t help but consider my own, and a future of sweet possibilities.

Whether you agree or disagree, or think it doesn’t affect you, I can assure you, in 2013, if you’re not gay, you know someone who is: a relative, friend, coworker … me. In fact, if you’re reading this column you may not know me personally but you know of me. I’m gay.

I used to be afraid to say it out loud, much less confirm it in print. I can remember years of playing the pronoun game at work and dodging questions around family about my life. My personal business was mine to protect and I went to great lengths to do so, albeit, sometimes unsuccessfully. That’s the funny thing about secrets, they tend to get out. You know that friend you trusted?

Times have changed. With age comes confidence and the freedom to be. And so it is with gratitude that I applaud the Justices confidence and wisdom in our country as we collectively turn another year older.

We’re not there yet but we’re well on our way. This calls for fireworks.

Meet me at Bailey Road Park Saturday night for the perfect spot to view them following the Cornelius PARC Department’s presentation of the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra. Gates open at 6pm. A free outdoor concert and fireworks show to kick off a week dedicated to freedom … for all of us.

Thank you, Supreme Court Justices. And Happy Early Birthday America.

Robin Gibson is a writer living in Cornelius. You can find her blog at http://www.robingibsonart.com/blog.html. See her previous columns under the “Robin Gibson” category.

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