NYC's Pride parade is a glorious occasion. The music plays during the parade on companies' floats. People of different backgrounds, races and nationalities come together to celebrate people's attraction of the same-sex being, something that can be out in the open. They celebrate being gay. They celebrate being themselves.
Being in the LBGTQ community is still a revolutionary act in America and across the globe. The terrorist attack at Pulse, a gay nightclub in Orlando, Florida, reminds us of that. It reminds us that there is a special courage and audacity to being gay.
As a heterosexual male who is afforded the privilege of not being judged or persecuted because of my sexual orientation, I go to celebrate those who do get persecuted for their sexual orientation or identity. I celebrate their courage. On Sunday, NYC had their Pride parade once again. The scene was electric. The NBA even got into the fun. Commissioner Adam Silver took part in the parade with several NBA employees wearing the ''Orlando United'' shirts that they produced after the attacks. To see a prominent sports league like the NBA involved in Pride is sublime.
The joy on everyone's face brings a smile to my face. I felt fortunate enough to be there sharing this moment with such courageous and undaunted people. I could not possibly imagine the courage that the LBGTQ community has. To continue to be looked down upon because of who you are and to still want to celebrate that fact about you is incredible and needs to continue to be recognized.
There is a false notion that says being in the LBGTQ community means you are soft in demeanor. It means you are mentally weak. I happen to think the LBGTQ community is the most strong. We cannot fix the ills of homophobia and transphobia in one day, but Pride attempts to show the bigots that the LBGTQ community will keep thriving and keep being fearless. When somebody asks me what does Pride mean to me, I will tell them seeing people persevere like that is inspiring. I will say seeing people be themselves in the face of scrutiny and violence is stirring. I will say I am proud. I will say the LBGTQ community is emotionally strong.
