STORY: In June 1994, the world gathered in New York for Gay Games IV as well as for a massive march outside the United Nations marking the 25th anniversary of Stonewall.
I was 31 at the time, newly single, new to New York, and ready to party. I played squash in the Gay Games—getting knocked out in the first round—but my spirits were revived by attending the Stonewall 25 march a few days later.
Along the parade route, I met two Dutch “girls” who had to have my picture taken with them. For me, this massive convergence of hundreds of thousands of LGBTQ people from all over the world was life-changing. I realized there was a much bigger gay world than I had ever suspected and was left determined to be a part of it.
—Kevin Jennings.