***Warning: Totally Off Topic Post!***

The BasketCases have attended every Gay Rights march held in our Nation's Capital since the very first one in 1979. Though one of us spent her day in the office (thank you IRS! pffft!), the other made sure that the streak remained unbroken. And so today the BasketCases were well represented at the National Equality March.

Unlike the earlier ones, this March was a mostly grassroots effort. There was definitely some pre-March concern that the turnout would be poor. To our wonderful surprise, it was not! The West Lawn of the Capitol, where the post-March rally took place, was so crowded by the 2PM start that police were already directing people away from the main viewing area toward the side lawns. The thing that struck us the most about today's event was the presence of so many young people! Young and gay, or young and gay-friendly, people who want a different world . . .AND WANT IT NOW! For us "mature" types . . . that was truly inspiring.

Our favorite sign (to quote the Energizer bunny. . . still waiting) .

One of the biggest stars at today's March . . . Lady Gaga! (The BasketCases confess . . . prior to this weekend, we had never heard of Lady Gaga. Not true for most of the folks on the West Lawn. In fact, it would be an understatement to say that the crowd went wild when Lady Gaga appeared.) We became immediate fans when when she told those assembled that this was the most important day of her career.

"Sex and the City's" Cynthia Nixon also drew loud applause for her speech insisting on equal rights for gay and lesbian families. ( . . . still younger than the BCs, but at least someone we know and like!).

The afternoon drew to a close with a rousing performance of "Let the Sunshine In" by the Broadway cast of "Hair." The many thousands of people on the Lawn swayed with the music and many sang along. Speaking of sunshine, you couldn't have asked for a sunnier or more beautiful fall day in Washington. What a great day for a March! We were happy that so many people from out-of-town came to our city today to participate in this wonderful event. And we hope that every one of them returns home energized to continue the work for full equality.

Photo Credit: DC BasketCases