Date: Mon, 20 Mar 1995 14:06:17 -0600 From: Jim Scally Subject: Small steps OK, it's a very small thing, but we move forward a step at a time. Lawrence, KS, home of the U of Kansas, has an annual St. Patrick's Day parade. I had lunch downtown today during the parade and watched the crowds on the street. For the first time in a town that is VERY accustomed to same-sex couples on the street, I saw two men walking down the main shopping street holding hands. Like I said, a very small thing, BUT: no one turned and stared; no one made a hostile remark, or any remark; everyone just went on their way. Yes, I'm a sentimental old fool and sometimes I'm satisfied by very small accomplishments, but it gladdened my heart to see the two of them in a very much family crowd that simply let them be. Warmed an old (not very) Irishman's heart. And eat your heart out, Richard Foster: Greg Louganis will be on our campus for two days, with a book-signing session and public lecture on Wednesday, April 5. Michelangelo Signorile will be here on Thurs.-Fri. April 6-7, both part of U of Kansas GALA Week. And for the first time, the bi-weekly faculty and staff newsletter has publicized all the GALA Week events. Like I said, a step at a time. Jim Scally Assistant to the Chancellor (and University Token Queer) University of Kansas P.S. OK, if you don't live in a metropolitan area, when was the last time YOU saw two men holding hands in public?