This past weekend, I had the opportunity to attend my second Pride Festival in my hometown. This year, even my mom requested off work to attend. This was so special to me. My best friend joined me for the second year in a row. We got ready, put on our bright and colorful outfits, glammed out our makeup and were on our way. Watching the parade for the second year in a row was something so incredible and life-changing. The amount of modern-day companies that are supportive of inclusiveness and march with their employees is astonishing and puts the biggest smile on my face. This year, I didn't even see any protesters.

I go to pride because I am an ally of the community. I won't stay back and watch change happen; I will be walking alongside all of the brave and beautiful humans fighting for this change. I walk for love, I walk for acceptance, and I walk for life. Pride is the only place and time where I am surrounded by thousands of humans who are being their most authentic selves. You see everything from drag queens (who are, if I may say so myself, more gorgeous than I will ever be) to rainbow-painted dogs. Everyone is celebrating their life through color and self-expression, and it is such a rare sight to see. Everyone is kind and smiling, and it just makes you feel like you're a part of something must greater than us all.

By saying that, I mean that you're a part of a community that celebrates love. A community that strives for equality for all genders, sexualities, identities and ethnicities. A community that supports women's rights and reproductive health, full self-expression, and ultimately, unconditional love. The best thing, though, is seeing all of the parents who come out with their young children, dress them up in color and celebrate love with them. The most beautiful sight I've seen is children walking with pride flags alongside their parents with the biggest smiles on their faces. I hope you join me in raising our children into a generation of love and light.