As much as I'd like to start by saying, "Happy Pride Month," I won't. Because I know this month may be anything but happy. Because I understand that it may be difficult to have pride this month (or any month). Because I believe that you know if the proverbial closet may be the best place for you right now. Because your own judgment is to be trusted. Because your safety is more important than your ability to be loud about the space you so wonderfully occupy in the LGBT+ community.
Maybe some of you are thinking, "Hey, marriage equality's been legal for a year now! Things are looking up for the LGBT+ community." But then you remember the lives lost at Orlando's Pulse nightclub. You remember that the L.A. pride parade was nearly the next target of a hate crime against the LGBT+ community. You remember the transgender woman who was shot and killed at a gas station in Santa Ana, CA. You remember the passing of legislation in North Carolina that makes public restrooms unsafe for the transgender and non-binary communities. And then you think that maybe things aren't going quite as well as you'd thought for the LGBT+ community.
I'm not at all suggesting that there's nothing to be proud of this month, but rather that I understand it may be difficult to have pride this month. And that's okay. Despite being part of a community among which members experience similar struggles, each person's life is different. Maybe your current living situation would become unsafe were you to adorn yourself with a rainbow flag. Maybe you fear the small-minded folks in your community might destroy your car should you decorate it with stickers boldly claiming "love is not a choice" or "transgender and proud." Maybe you're saddened by a world that perpetuates hate and violence against that which it does not understand. That's okay. You don't have to be happy this pride month. But I ask that you hold on to your pride, even if you're keeping it to yourself. If you find yourself losing your pride, I ask that you remember the less televised things that have happened in the LGBT+ community.
Remember the hundreds of couples who were allowed to marry this past year thanks to the passing of a law that ruled marriage inequality unconstitutional.
Remember the vigils held to remember those affected by the shooting at Pulse. Remember how they strengthened the LGBT+ community.
Remember the gay police officer who proposed to his boyfriend at London's pride parade.
Remember Jamie Shupe, whose determination and courage has led to the approval of "non-binary" as a legal gender in the state of Oregon.
Remember Jazz Jennings, the 15-year-old transgender girl who brought LGBT+ issues to the spotlight through her own reality T.V. show that's broadcasted nationwide.
Remember that it's okay to be sad this month. Remember that it's okay if you're struggling to be proud. Remember that you're part of a community that is bigger than all the challenges it faces. Remember that it's possible to overcome.
