Restitution by Donald Catalano

Author:Donald Catalano
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Coffeetown Press
Published: 2021-04-15T00:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER 22

It was the last Sunday in June, and the Chicago Pride Parade was about to step off at the corners of Belmont and Halsted Street. This was not the first time that Senator Perry Douglas had marched in the annual parade. In years past, the politicians riding or walking in the parade usually occupied the front of the parade. Far distant from the floats of the Chicago area gay bars and establishments that had mostly naked good-looking young men and women gyrating to ear-splitting modern dance music. And in previous years, that is where Perry Douglas would march. However, this year would be different. Perry and his wife Katherine chose to march with the PFLAG parents and their children. PFLAG is an organization of parents who wholly support their gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender children. Perry and Katherine Douglas marched in the Pride Parade, flanking their son Robert, as the Douglas family all held hands and waved to the cheering crowds. And to make sure that his presence was duly noted a number of campaign staffers walked steps behind the Douglas family with a banner announcing, “Elect Senator Perry Douglas for President.”

“You guys certainly didn’t have to do this,” Robert Douglas loudly stated to his parents as they walked down north Halsted Street in the Boystown neighborhood of Chicago.

“Yes, I did,” Perry turned and said to his son. “I should have been here, along with you, years ago. I’m only sorry that it took an assault on my son to make me realize it.”

“But is this good politics?” Robert inquired of his father.

“In this crowd, oh hell yes!” Perry enthusiastically exclaimed. “No other group gets louder and more sustained ovations from the crowd than the PFLAG parents. Well, with the possible exception of the precision twirling corp.”

“I mean in general terms. Surely, you will be seen on national television holding hands with your gay son. How will that go over with the general electorate?” Robert queried.

“Well, the easy and truthful answer is that I don’t give a rat’s ass,” Perry said with a smile. “I am a proud parent supporting my son, if some voters don’t respect that fact that is more their problem than mine. That said, times are changing. Quickly. And one of the overwhelming reasons for that change is that gay people, like yourself, have announced to the people of this nation that they will no longer tolerate being closeted and oppressed. Civil rights are for everyone, not just men, or just whites, or just heterosexuals. I have fought for change during my time in the Senate, why would I hide my pride in my wonderful son from the public?”

“Good answer, Dad. You’re catching on quickly,” Robert said with a wide grin as he squeezed his father’s hand a little tighter.

Perry Douglas could not contain his ear-to-ear smile.

Posy Branch and Chiffon LaBelle leaned up against the dark wooded bar at French Tips, Juleps & Jazz.

“Chantale done told you?” Posy asked Chiffon with a slow shake of her head.

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