DignityUSA Convention 2003

Pat McArronÕs Thursday Evening Welcome

August 7, 2003

It is an honor for me to extend a personal welcome to all of you in behalf of your Board of Directors to this desert oasis for the weekend.

I have always enjoyed family reunions. And when it comes to Dignity there is no better way to celebrate family. The great thing about Dignity is not only do we practice what we preach, but we preach what we practice. (Let me say that again Ð we preach what we practice) which is far more than can be said about the hierarchy of our Catholic Church.

We find ourselves in very challenging times both in our Church and in society. Never more has this been made clear to us than in recent days. We have come under viscous attack from with our own Church. And I am proud to say that Dignity has risen to the challenge and our outgoing Executive Director Marianne Duddy has made us proud. During the course of this weekend you will hear more about our stronger than ever VOICE.

As you may have learned by now Ð my forte is not diplomacy. I have a tendency to speak my mind and sometimes rather bluntly in cases of Spiritual Terrorism & Sexual abuse. I would be lying to you if I did not say that I am very angry with the elite old-boys club and it is time to say NO MORE. Enough is enough. To quote a famous line from a popular movie of recent memory ÒI am mad as hell and I am not going to take it anymore.Ó

But tonight is not about anger - tonight is about celebration, the celebration of our lives as gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender & straight people. We have much to celebrate in the face of adversity. We have our faith that gives us spiritual strength, we have each other to love and care for, and by God we have as much right as anyone to express that love for each emotionally and physically. In fact we have a right to all seven sacraments.

Now letÕs continue the celebration of our lives as blessed people and from this room, this place in the desert let our VOICE be heard as one when we say Dignity for all.

Thank you for all that you do to make our VOICE as strong as it can be.