I'm a liberal Democrat, but I see no "life altering" rationale for requiring by court ruling inclusion of GLBTs in the St. Patrick's Day Parade. It's about an Irish celebration of the St. Patrick legend. The Gay Pride parade, which I feel did a lot to help many express their orientation openly at last, serves a purpose for promoting tolerance and understanding. There are lessons for all to heed in this.

It should be noted that MassEquality has been invited to march alongside other LGBT groups, including Join the Impact Massachusetts (JTIMA) and Boston Pride, in the the "alternative" Saint Patrick's Peace Parade on March 18. Both JTIMA and Veterans for Peace have been rejected from participation in the "official" parade for the second year in a row. Globe readers should know that the St. Patrick's Peace Parade is entirely LGBT-inclusive, and will also feature veterans' groups, peace groups, various Occupy groups, and peace-minded religious organizations. While it's gratifying to see that MassEquality is following the example of JTIMA and Veterans for Peave in applying for (and ultimately being denied access to) the "official" parade, it would be an even more positive development to see MassEquality actually participate in the Peace Parade. The Peace Parade will undoubtedly continue year after year, and continue to grow, until the "traditional" parade's exclusionary policies are changed, and no group is denied participation on the basis of sexual orientation, gender identity, or other peace and justice issues that are found compelling by the public. (Ideals of peace and justice are embodied by the example of Saint Patrick himself.) Here's hoping to see many out and proud LGBT people, as well straight allies that believe in peace, inclusion, and justice, come and march in the Saint Patrick's Peace Parade on March 18. http://www.facebook.com/#!/events/242916262450591/

Does this mean there are no Irish gay people? When I was a youth, we had several "Irish bachelors" in the neighborhood and some became quite successful in Boston politics, but those were the days of large, deep, and dark closets!