Jan 12th, 2007
Every t-shirt a story. (5 of 5)
The final post from the T-shirt archives:
In 1998, Carleton College had its first all-class GLBT reunion. For some alumni, it was the first time they were returning since they graduated decades ago. I didn’t go to Carleton, but it is a special place for me because it’s where my mom and dad met. They are both over-the-top in their loyalty to their alma mater. (My mother is from the class of ‘62, and if you are a Carl, that’s significant.)
My dad was on the planning committee for the GLBT reunion, and among the events was a convocation: a panel of straight allies with different perspectives on LGBT issues. I mentioned to my dad that I was interested and available to be a panelist. He didn’t respond to my offer, and sensing his hesitance, I didn’t push it.
A few days before the event, Dad called to say that he had been able to confirm only two panelists, and all of his other prospects had fallen through. He asked me to speak, as if we had never talked about it before.
“I have asked everyone I can think of, and no one can do it,” he pleaded, “I’m desperate.”
“Oh Dad, with flattery like that, how could I refuse?”
We can laugh about it now, because it all turned out great. My speech at Carleton’s GLBT “Family Reunion” was only 10 minutes, but it was well received, and I learned that I had much more to say.
And Dad learned that I was pretty good at this public speaking thing.