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WHEREAS, Kenneth Felts realized he was gay at 12 years old but was taught that his sexuality was both a sin and illegal, and so to cope he named that part of himself Larry, and hid that part of himself away from the world. He planned to go to the grave with his secret; and,
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WHEREAS, After returning home from a Navy deployment in Korea, Kenneth fell in love with Phillip Jones while living in California. While the two were secretly building a life together, Ken felt that living life as a straight man would be much easier; and,
WHEREAS, The burden of living a secret life was too much to bear so Ken ended the relationship. After moving home, he married and had a daughter, and always felt that he had to keep Larry hidden; and
WHEREAS, Recently to pass time during the COVID-19 Pandemic, Ken felt it was time to write a memoir which ultimately “awakened many soul-searing memories” including his memories of the love of his life, Philip Jones. Shortly after, Ken Felts came out to his daughter and the rest of the world on a Facebook post declaring “I am Free, I am Gay and I am Out”; and,
WHEREAS, Mr. Felts, who this year walked in the virtual Denver Pride Parade, is a profile in courage for others. His example is a call to action; people should embrace their sexuality and themselves because it is never too late to be our complete and full selves; and,
NOW THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED, That Council of the City of Pittsburgh recognizes Kenneth Felts as a courageous human, and embraces Larry in our most welcoming city.
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that the Council of the City of Pittsburgh does hereby declare Tuesday, August 25th, 2020, to be “KEN FELTS DAY” in the City of Pittsburgh.