This weekend Boston celebrates two parades - PRIDE and Bunker Hill Day.  Both parades speak to the battle over the fundamental belief that all people have the right to life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness.  While one battle succeeded centuries ago, the other continues.

I was reminded of this in March as I stood with my neighbors to counter-protest the “God Hates Fags” group who showed up on the front steps of East Boston High School to picket the school’s gay/straight alliance.

As the small group yelled and held signs reading “God Hates Fags” to the passing buses packed with school children, my neighbors and I stood side-by-side in a peaceful counter-protest to denounce their hatred.  We let them know their group and the discrimination they promote has no place in Boston.

I experienced firsthand how destructive hate can be while living and studying ethnic conflict in Belfast, Northern Ireland.  It was there that I learned that the only way to overcome intolerance is by understanding that what we share in common outweighs what divides us.

Approaching the City of Boston with this experience, I want to work to bring our city closer together.  If you share my vision, I invite you to march with me this Saturday in the PRIDE parade or on Sunday in the Bunker Hill Day Parade.

If you cannot march, I hope you will consider making a donation today.  Your generous contribution of $100, $50 or even $25 will go a long way towards ensuring our next city council is one which shares our values.