On July 5, 2008, I received this email:
My Dear Rady I wanted to post a public comment to praise your column, however, couldn't find post comment link. So, am writing to personally express my sincere thanks and appreciation for your column on Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon. Your column about Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon was in-depth and very moving . Del and Phyllis are truly our heroes. Their years of fighting for equality and the right to marry is an inspiration. It gives hope not only to us old activists, but to our gay youth as well. My dear friends Robin Tyler and Diane Olson were plaintiffs in the original lawsuit on which the CA Supreme Court based its historic decision. Robin and Diane were the first couple to marry in California. I regret not being able to attend their wedding. However, thanks to the internet, I, we, were able to watch a video of their and view photos of Del and Phyllis' weddings. Which brought tears of joy to many people, as it did for me. I'm sure your piece on Del and Phyllis will open the hearts and minds of many to the struggle that LGBT people endure to be treated equally. Most importantly, it shows us as just people who love another with all our hearts and want to have our relationships legally recognized, as with our heterosexual counterparts. I have been with my partner, soul mate and love of my life for 29 years. With much hope, we will still be able to travel to California in January to celebrate our 30th anniversary with a wedding ceremony of our own. Our marriage will not be recognized in the state of Florida, but, in our eyes, our dream of being married will finally come true. Thanks again for your ever so wonderful and moving column. In Pride and Equality for All
 R. Zeke Fread(Note: You can view every article as one long page if you sign up as an Advocate Member, or higher).
