The screams and clamors that echo in the space above and around you, like waves of sound molecules cascading all across the air attempting to cover the most ground. The voices that beg for attention on this very day when they can escape their shell and blossom like gardenias in the spring. Candies and plastic beads scattered all about the concrete and crunching beneath the step of a gold heel, and more toothy smiles than you imagined were possible. That's the image that flashes when the parade is in full swing; LGBTQ rights organizations marching in solidarity, claiming the rights they have longed for since the commencement of time, drag queens strutting in day-old makeup and confidence so grand it makes conservatives shiver in fear. The weekend when all the queers and gays and fruitcakes can be together and relish in their accomplishments. It's a big ol' party, but it's also much more than that. It isn't a superficial festivity but one engrained with a rich history and in remembrance of the lives of so many that have loved, that we've lost and that are to come.

To understand what pride is really all about, you have to start from the beginning.

1. The first LGBTQ Pride Parade was held in New York in June 1970 as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots the year prior to bring attention to the unfair treatment of queers (especially transgender people and queer homeless youth) by police on that infamous day in history. It's a political march and when you walk with us, you're revolting against the institutionalized oppression of queers and our many intersecting identities. This idea has gained so much momentum that it is celebrated by countries all over the world, with the largest in cities like Madrid, Toronto, New York, San Francisco, and São Paulo . We march for justice and equity and beg you to take into consideration all of the pain and hurt our predecessors have endured to secure our right to be free and march.

2. Our flag is more than a sea of colors painted on fabric. Each color is representative of what the LGBTQ movement values and upholds; our flag is more than aesthetics. The one used since 1979 displays six colors: red represents life and our love of it, orange is healing for the injustices and hardship, yellow is sunlight because that's what's in our hearts, green represents nature because it keeps us grounded, royal blue as harmony to keep up together, and violet for spirit and gratitude to keep us fighting!

3. We celebrate to express ourselves with glitter on our eyelids and body, with music resounding from the speakers resting on a teddy bear's shoulder, and with flags with so many different patterns they make your head spin.

4. LGBTQ history is marked with discrimination and abuse, but that will not stop us from expressing ourselves freely. We commemorate those lives targeted for being beautiful and move forward with the hope that hate will dissipate behind our brick-strong will.

5. Don't use our celebration solely as a means to party for three days. This is more than colorful floats, candy, and condoms. It's about oppression and fighting. But it's also about celebrating with our allies and thanking them with treats and undying friendships. And hugs –– many, many hugs!

7. And allow yourself to feel the history, the sadness, the love and the friendship that the LGBTQ community has to offer. At pride, we thank our queer predecessors for their struggle, we comfort the families of LGBTQ folks lost to hate, and we share love with all.

8. There will be tears. There will be tears for the countless lives lost to terrorism, the lives lost to hateful murder and self-harm, and tears for the pains our people have suffered throughout time.

9. But there will also be tears and laughs to celebrate all that we've achieved.

10. Be educated. Learn about the LGBTQ movement and the difficulties LGBTQ people face every day; our struggle to attain proper healthcare, adequate housing, and enriching employment.

11. And don't neglect the histories of people of color, of trans women, of homeless youth, of undocumented queers, and of the other identities that don't get as much attention as the mainstream white gay man (although we love them too!). They matter too!

12. Stop at the tables and pick up a flyer or brochure; these are groups and organizations that dedicate their work towards a LGBTQ lived equality, whether they be a law firm, health clinic, support groups or restaurants. They're everywhere, and they need your support. Don't forget to tell your friends about them too! In Baltimore these include organizations like PFLAG, FreeState Justice, Chase Brexton, GLCCB, Baltimore OUTLoud and Hearts & Ears.

13. Embrace the hate. There will be people protesting the right for LGBTQ people to live equally. I know, insane! But LGBTQ folks have battled against hate since the beginning of time so we react gracefully.

14. Understand that there isn't one way to be queer; we come in various shades and levels of sassiness.

15. Expect to see the unexpected. Pride Parades and Festivals have been known to have the occasional marriage proposal, drag show and go-go dancer. Enjoy!

Additional Resources

National LGBTQ Organizations

Human Rights Campaign

Dignity USA

Lambda Legal

Queer Nation

The Sylvia Rivera Law Project

The Trevor Project

GLSEN

Baltimore-based Organizations and Non-Profits

Hearts & Ears, Inc.

FreeState Justice

Chase Brexton

Star Track

Baltimore Gay Life

GLCCB

Baltimore OUTLoud

LGBTQ Life at JHU

Now go out there and celebrate with us #LGBTQPrideParade