June 23, 2023 – For ages now we’ve wanted to see this powerful symbol of gay pride in our Meanings of Life line — artist Joanne Friar painted the rainbow flag at least three years ago! — but it holds so much meaning for so many that we could never come up with what felt like just the right message. Until now … when I came across the Emerson quote, I stopped trying to write because it seems this sums it up perfectly.
With Cardthartic’s gay staff members and friends being among the kindest, brightest, most loving people I know, it was disheartening to read the results of a recent Gallup poll which found that 36% of Americans consider same-sex relationships “morally unacceptable.” That is 7% more than just a year ago and, Gallup says, the sharpest one-year shift in public opinion since the start of the 21st century.
To straight people reading this I ask, “Can you imagine having to walk around wondering — sometimes worrying — if you and the person you love are being deemed ‘morally unacceptable?’” Personally, I cannot.
I remember back when we were introducing our gay wedding cards, I showed the proposed designs to my friend Linda, who had been happily living with her partner Jan for 14 years. She looked up from the cards and directly at me to say, “These are so important to publish, Jodee, because it is so important that you — and other straight people like you who have nothing to gain — speak out and champion our cause for acceptance. Where we might be dismissed, bullied, or worse, you will be heard.”
That conversation came to mind last Saturday when my niece Jennifer sent me fun pics in a text that read, “About to kick off the Pride Parade!” To Linda’s point, Jennifer and her husband and daughter in Columbus, Ohio, were marching with other families and colleagues simply because, “It feels like the right thing to do.”
The following day being Father’s Day, I thought of how proud my late dad would be of this granddaughter who had countless other ways to spend her day. And that took me back to a memorable conversation I’d had with Dad, wow, must be 40 years ago now.
As on every Sunday night, he’d called me at home in Chicago from his big blue recliner in the Sunshine State and asked what was new since we’d spoken the previous week. I said that all I had to report was that my best buddy Ted had told me he wanted to start dating men and hoped to find one he could love and feel loved by.
Let me just quick give you a sense of my Dad: A born farmer in central Illinois, he had traveled out of the state only twice before retiring to Florida — once to go fishing in Minnesota and once to go fishing in Arkansas. To my knowledge, he’d read only two books in his adult life: the Bible, and a little paperback titled Grinding It Out, the autobiography of McDonald’s founder that I’d given him back when I was doing PR for that company.
While Dad was not worldly, he was mighty wise and kind, so I was not surprised to hear him that Sunday night say, “I’ll hope and pray that Ted meets a nice man, Jo, because he sure has been a good friend to you!”
Like it was yesterday rather than four decades ago, I remember telling my dad that I loved his big heart and the way he wished my friend happiness when we both knew there were many people in the world who would choose to condemn Ted for just being his good, kind self. “I’ve never understood prejudice or that kind of animosity,” I said. “Tell me honestly please, Dad, do you think you would love any of your kids or grandkids any less if they were gay?” He said, “No, Jo, I can’t say that I would. But I do think I might love them more.”
Hmm. Surprised by that answer, I asked, “Why is that, Dad?” His response was as sad but true today as it was back then. “I’d love them more because it can be a cold, cruel world out there and I suspect they’d need all the love and support they could get.”
Long live Dad’s sense of pride.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
Pride Flag Trivia
~ As the LGBTQ+ community grows and diversifies, many new and different flags are being flown. There are about 50 so far, many of which you can see here.
~ The first rainbow flag was designed in 1978 by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in response to the perceived need for a community symbol.
~ According to Gilbert, there is no “right-side up” for the flag. It may be flown either red up or purple up to underscore the point that all people are free to be “oriented” in their own direction.
~ As we have added in small print to the inside cover of the Pride card, the artist chose the six colors to represent:
Red for Life
Orange for Healing
Yellow for New Ideas
Green for Prosperity
Indigo for Serenity
Violet for Spirit
June 23, 2023 – For ages now we’ve wanted to see this powerful symbol of gay pride in our Meanings of Life line — artist Joanne Friar painted the rainbow flag at least three years ago! — but it holds so much meaning for so many that we could never come up with what felt like just the right message. Until now … when I came across the Emerson quote, I stopped trying to write because it seems this sums it up perfectly.
With Cardthartic’s gay staff members and friends being among the kindest, brightest, most loving people I know, it was disheartening to read the results of a recent Gallup poll which found that 36% of Americans consider same-sex relationships “morally unacceptable.” That is 7% more than just a year ago and, Gallup says, the sharpest one-year shift in public opinion since the start of the 21st century.
To straight people reading this I ask, “Can you imagine having to walk around wondering — sometimes worrying — if you and the person you love are being deemed ‘morally unacceptable?’” Personally, I cannot.
I remember back when we were introducing our gay wedding cards, I showed the proposed designs to my friend Linda, who had been happily living with her partner Jan for 14 years. She looked up from the cards and directly at me to say, “These are so important to publish, Jodee, because it is so important that you — and other straight people like you who have nothing to gain — speak out and champion our cause for acceptance. Where we might be dismissed, bullied, or worse, you will be heard.”
That conversation came to mind last Saturday when my niece Jennifer sent me fun pics in a text that read, “About to kick off the Pride Parade!” To Linda’s point, Jennifer and her husband and daughter in Columbus, Ohio, were marching with other families and colleagues simply because, “It feels like the right thing to do.”
The following day being Father’s Day, I thought of how proud my late dad would be of this granddaughter who had countless other ways to spend her day. And that took me back to a memorable conversation I’d had with Dad, wow, must be 40 years ago now.
As on every Sunday night, he’d called me at home in Chicago from his big blue recliner in the Sunshine State and asked what was new since we’d spoken the previous week. I said that all I had to report was that my best buddy Ted had told me he wanted to start dating men and hoped to find one he could love and feel loved by.
Let me just quick give you a sense of my Dad: A born farmer in central Illinois, he had traveled out of the state only twice before retiring to Florida — once to go fishing in Minnesota and once to go fishing in Arkansas. To my knowledge, he’d read only two books in his adult life: the Bible, and a little paperback titled Grinding It Out, the autobiography of McDonald’s founder that I’d given him back when I was doing PR for that company.
While Dad was not worldly, he was mighty wise and kind, so I was not surprised to hear him that Sunday night say, “I’ll hope and pray that Ted meets a nice man, Jo, because he sure has been a good friend to you!”
Like it was yesterday rather than four decades ago, I remember telling my dad that I loved his big heart and the way he wished my friend happiness when we both knew there were many people in the world who would choose to condemn Ted for just being his good, kind self. “I’ve never understood prejudice or that kind of animosity,” I said. “Tell me honestly please, Dad, do you think you would love any of your kids or grandkids any less if they were gay?” He said, “No, Jo, I can’t say that I would. But I do think I might love them more.”
Hmm. Surprised by that answer, I asked, “Why is that, Dad?” His response was as sad but true today as it was back then. “I’d love them more because it can be a cold, cruel world out there and I suspect they’d need all the love and support they could get.”
Long live Dad’s sense of pride.
Jodee Stevens
Founder & Chief Creative
Pride Flag Trivia
~ As the LGBTQ+ community grows and diversifies, many new and different flags are being flown. There are about 50 so far, many of which you can see here.
~ The first rainbow flag was designed in 1978 by San Francisco artist Gilbert Baker in response to the perceived need for a community symbol.
~ According to Gilbert, there is no “right-side up” for the flag. It may be flown either red up or purple up to underscore the point that all people are free to be “oriented” in their own direction.
~ As we have added in small print to the inside cover of the Pride card, the artist chose the six colors to represent:
Red for Life
Orange for Healing
Yellow for New Ideas
Green for Prosperity
Indigo for Serenity
Violet for Spirit
What a totally lovely commentary! Thank you for creating such soulful greetings!
Such a beautifully written personal story on the subject of acceptance and such a profound memory of your Dad and his loving spirit. So very touching.
what a poignant story♥
i am sitting here at the
computer with tears
streaming down my
face.
especially poignant for me,
as i just had a conversation
with a friend who is experiencing
“nastiness” at 70 years old.
which he does not deserve.
it seems to be especially difficult
for gay people in retirement
centers and assisted living
facility ?
How lovely this card is along with your loving memories attached to it. I think I’d like to send ALL of your email this morning to all members of Congress with a “Required Reading” notification attached. Thank you Jodee, Joanne Friar and posthumously, Ralph Waldo Emerson.
Thank you for this beautiful email. I am a mom of a gay son and appreciate all who support gay rights.
Thank you. Wish the whole world could read your words. I am excited and proud to put this card out today. Your dad’s words are as wonderful as the Emerson quote❤️
Thanks for this thoughtful message. My son and his partner are the two nicest men ever created. They are the epitome of love and and acceptance. I’m proud to call them mine, and thankful for your thoughtful cards that help me celebrate them.
Your Dad was brilliant. That type of knowledge is not learned from a book. It grows in a kind heart.
I pray that our great country will fully embrace the belief that ‘We The People’ means ALL people regardless of sexual orientation, race, color, religion, sexual identification, national origin or handicap. ALL the people make our country’s tapestry a true work of art. Love is love. Lean into it.
Love you, Jodee. You have a HUGE kind heart just like your Dad.
Jodee- as usual, your message has touched a spot in my heart and I have once again teared up while reading the message out loud to Erik. This was a story I’d not ever heard but from what I can remember, I’m not surprised to hear this coming from grandpa. In fact, it’s just another reminder of how sorry I am we weren’t closer and that I didn’t know him better. But oh I can hear him saying, “come over here, Jenny-Bell, “ just as clearly as if he’d said it just moments ago. Thank you for sharing and for filling my heart today:-)
I’m so impressed by your dad’s open mind & open heart. You come from an excellent gene pool, Jodee. To have the wonderful selection of Pride cards shows that you’re not afraid to stand up for your beliefs. I applaud you.
Thank you for sharing and for putting the words together so perfectly~
I just printed this off to hang by my computer. Yay Grandpa Bud.
Jodee – What a wonderful story … a what a dad to be proud of having … I love him! Good for you for taking a position and offering cards with messages that are always compassionate and inclusive – esp as you live in Florida! xo, Sherry
Beautiful words. Your father’s wisdom, fairness and goodness shine through in this marvelous story!