by Janine Unsoeld - Special to the SGN

A downtown parade, thousands of people, live music and entertainment in Sylvester Park, face-painting, flags and food, kids of all ages dancing, politicians, petition signing, community nonprofit booths and vendors, smiles, sunshine, and rainbows galore - that was the scene in Olympia last weekend, during Capital City Pride 2012.

Thurston County Commissioner Cathy Wolfe enjoyed the day with her daughter Susan Haas, and Haas' partner, Khristine. 'Since she came out last year, I can't tell you the difference in my daughter - I support her one thousand percent. & She is now the person God intended her to be,' said Wolfe.

'For 40 years, I suspected she was Gay,' Wolfe continued. 'Then, she grew up, got married, and I thought, hmm ... well, maybe I was wrong. But then, she called me one Sunday night last year, crying, and poured her heart out.'

Haas agreed and picked up the story. 'I'm 48. I was married for 23 years. I did everything right, had two kids ... I didn't know I was Gay, I just knew something wasn't right. Then, I met the love of my life,' said Haas, referring to Khristine, sitting nearby.

Asked how her children, who are now ages 17 and 19, took the news, Haas said, 'They're coming around ... they want me to be happy.'

Information on the Capital City Pride sponsoring organization can be found at www.capitalcitypride.net.

Reprinted by permission from Janine's Little Hollywood, www.janineslittlehollywood.blogspot.com PHOTO CAPTIONS CREDIT ALL: JANINE UNSOELD Susan Haas and her partner Khristine at Capital City Pride in Olympia's Sylvester Park The Capital City Pride Parade passes the Governor Hotel in downtown Olympia. (WHITE) Female impersonator 'Kimberly,' 23, a student at the University of Washington, performed in Sylvester Park. (BLACK) Female impersonator 'Terronce,' 19, a hairdresser at a Lacey salon, wowed the crowd with Beyonce's 'Single Ladies (Put A Ring On It).' Alec Clayton, Gabi Clayton, and Capital City Pride co-chair Anna Schlect staff the information booth at Capital City Pride in Olympia.

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