After months of cloudy skies and spring showers, the summer sky is left with bright rainbows. Although it may be a month of blistering heat and hot summer days, June was one of the brightest months not only because of the shining sun but also because of the spectrum of colors that flood popular culture.

June was Pride month. After the horrific shooting at the Pulse nightclub in Orlando last June, the community has come together to make this June that much more prideful. This is a time where the LGBTQ+ community can unite together to celebrate love. This love radiates from all parts of the globe, giving people the courage to be their unapologetic selves and paving the way for a better future.

Yet, I have observed that many individuals are so consumed with the superficial reality of pride that they often forget the true meaning behind it. Whether it be Instagram posts or Facebook pictures, there is an overwhelming number of images released into the sphere of social media that express support for equality during this time of year. However, this support does not always extend beyond the screen.

I still see the judgmental stares and hear the shameful whispers when an LGBTQ+ couple holds hands on the sidewalk or kisses on a park bench. While the pride parades and rainbow flags signify a time of love and comfort for those within the community, the rest of the world is not fully there yet. Although those outside of the community support equality outwardly by marching through these parades and waving these flags for the camera, the whispers prevail behind the scenes.

I cannot count how many times I have watched people stare at individuals who do not conform to the traditional and expected gender norms set by society. I cannot count how many times I have heard people say that an annoying homework assignment is “so gay” or that they “look like lesbians” in their work attire. I cannot count how many times others have casually informed me of someone else’s sexuality before that person was ready to tell me themselves – a private sexual matter turned into a piece of gossip that was too juicy not to share. This is not pride.

As easy as it is to support pride in theory, exhibiting these actions indicates discrimination and inequality. If you truly want to show your pride and love, start on a small scale. Rid yourself of the whispers and stares. Rid yourself of the offensive words. Rid yourself of the gossip. Focus on being a loving and supportive individual, because June is about more than just a cute rainbow Instagram picture; it is about achieving an equal future where you have the right to love freely. Fortunately, right now, that future is looking bright.