Unsung gay heros who enrich our daily lives

With the start of the New Year, the gay press features stories that impacted our lives over the course of the previous year.

No doubt, gay marriage was the No. 1 topic listed. But while that was very important, there were other stories, other causes that weren't mentioned or received scant press coverage.

No one congratulated the behind the scenes guys who make events happen. We tend to forget that it takes considerable time and energy to put on our annual Gay Pride events. These guys organize the booths, talent, reserve the space, venues, sponsor the dances, etc. Without their tireless efforts, there would not be the many Gay Pride celebrations taking place in big cities and small towns almost everywhere in North America.

Also no one gave any big hairy muscle hugs or pats on the back to those guys who volunteer to lobby our national, state, and local representatives to influence them to support issues important to us. These guys stuff envelopes, make calls, put up and distribute flyers, organize events, etc. that get us exposure.

I want to take this opportunity to congratulate these guys for their tireless dedication. It is they who give us these events, who dedicate their lives to making this world and our communities better places to live as gay men. I recognize that sometimes they can get overwhelmed with these causes and more likely than not, burnout. So if you are one of these volunteers, thank you from the bottom of my heart. And big hairy muscle hugs for your efforts.

If any of you have the time to devote to volunteer for gay causes, please do so. These unsung heros deserve our recognition and thanks.