My school hosted its very first Pride event for the LQBTQ+ students a few days ago. It promised live drag entertainment, free food and a whole lot of other things. My attention was caught immediately when I heard about it because I'm the biggest drag fan you could ever find, and I had always wanted to see it performed live.
So, I went to the event and it was the best decision I've made in a really long time.
It was really beautiful to be surrounded by people who were just happy to be themselves and happy that they were able to celebrate it in our community. I saw a lot of gay people and allies who were just happy to be out in the sun, eating hot dogs and dancing to music. No one was judging or doing anything to make others uncomfortable. In fact, everyone who was at the event did their best to spread as much love and happiness as they could, and this is what made the day the best for me.
It was so satisfying to see my friends (that were usually closeted around others) being so free and proud of who they are. I went to the event and came back realizing that there are people around us that are different than who we are, different from what we are comfortable with, but that does not mean that they should be disrespected.
Being more accepting and loving to others is the only way to make the world better.
Pride also taught me that letting others feel comfortable enough to let their guards down and be their truest selves is really the most satisfying thing. Love and acceptance is the only way to make the world better and pride showed me this. From my experience at this first pride event, I know this will definitely not be my last time going. The LGBTQ+ community will be seeing more of me, and I can't wait to be able to show this community how much I love and support each of them.