To me, this year's Pride Month has been the most widely celebrated so far, which is wonderful. It's heartwarming to see so many people who are willing to put their differences aside to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. From brands such as American Eagle and Skittles to small businesses and straight allies across the world, June has been a month of beautiful colors and acceptance.

Still, in the midst of all of this celebration, there are many people who wish to combat everything that Pride is about. One that stands out to me as being the most ridiculous comes from some (not all) Christians: the LGBTQ+ community cannot claim the rainbow because it is a Christian symbol.

I, of course, know where they are coming from. In The Bible, God created the rainbow to symbolize His promise to never flood the world again. Unfortunately, I think trying to claim the rainbow as belonging specifically and exclusively to the Christian community is absurd.

All religious beliefs aside, I really think we can all agree that rainbows are water droplets in the air refracting sunlight, creating an illusion in the sky. Please correct me if I'm wrong, but I think that natural phenomena are public domain. Not to mention that no one can claim or copyright colors. The Pride flag first and foremost represents the LGBTQ+ community, but I think it also represents beauty and a love for everyone in the world. I think that it is not meant to be something that can only be exclusively used by the LGBTQ+ community, but by everyone who is proud of who they are. I believe that it is something that is meant to represent beauty and unity, regardless of gender, sexual identity, religious affiliation, or race. It's all inclusive.

So, what I guess I'm trying to say is, don't be offended by the pride flag. The rainbow belongs to everyone. You can celebrate it in whatever way you please, so long as you let others do so as well. The rainbow is yours and mine. Own it, love it, be it. Share the rainbow. Share the love.