Dear Editor:
I am concerned about the future of the Pride Parade going forward since the passing of Richard Pfeiffermay he rest in peace. Under Pfeiffer's leadership over the years, the parade increased in participation and became one of Chicago's largest parades: a job well done.
It is my hope that the passing of the baton to the next generation of Pride leadership will adequately represent the magnificent diversity of our communities. I think it is fair to say that Pfeiffer represented our community values, which is at the heart of our community vision and decisions. He highlighted the importance of hearing from marginalized voices in our communities, and in fighting the dehumanization of the LGBTQA Communities.
I understand that Pfeiffer's husband, Tim Frye, wants to take over the Pride Parade to honor Richard. I hope Tim reconsiders. Our communities are polarized around politics, race, sex and gender-identity concerns. His decision could be misunderstood as an act of white privilege. So many have given their lives on the altar of racism. Focusing on our community's unity calls us .to a place of justice and compassion. Those lost lives also need to be treated with dignity and remembrance. The urban fabric of overconsumption calls us to remember who our neighbor is, and what love and remembrance require of us. Human vanity should have no place in this matter.
Poverty and overindulgence are the two extremes of misery. In my opinion, it is an example of indirect suicide. Life indeed is sacred and wonderful. Choose the road that makes death a fulfillment, not a coward's way out, that is dehumanizing,
We are all part of that dehumanizing culture that promotes a level of consumption that is sinful and dangerous to Mother Earth. We all must learn moderation. Poverty and overindulgence are the two extremes of this social sin of misery.
Advocate without accusation, disagree without disrespect, and see differences as places of encounter rather than exclusion. The time is long past for women and people of color to take on leadership roles in guiding next year's Pride Parade.
Our communities have many talented people, so that is not the difficulty. It is making time for each other and volunteering your services honestly and responsibly.
I will hold Richard and Tim in my prayers.
Joe Murray
Executive Director
Rainbow Sash Movement (LGBTQ Roman Catholics)