Pride is a very powerful feeling that has a variety of connotations and interpretations. For me, pride plays a significant role in my life. It means that I need to be wholeheartedly proud of the true version of myself, no matter who or what is trying to tell me otherwise. Furthermore, Pride is something that not only means a lot to me, but to the LGBT community as a whole. Obviously, we make it no secret that we are proud to be who we are, so proud that we all decide to happily march in the streets once a year. I first attended this march approximately a year ago in San Diego.
It was my first Pride event so I did not really know what to expect. However, I soon found out that it was just as raunchy as I had expected it to be. I also did not expect it to be pouring rain -- so much for "Sunny San Diego." So the festivities began and we all started dancing and marching and it just kept relentlessly pouring rain. The one distinct memory I can take away from that day was the energy I felt and fed off of while being surrounded by all of my fellow community members. It was the most beautiful experience to see that absolutely no one could rain on our parade. We would just be happily dancing, soaking wet, with no one telling us who or what to be. This touched me beyond words and I will never forget it.
Now it is coming down to that time of year again, and I cannot believe that it has been a year since that moment. Not only do I plan on attending Pride again this year with a little less rain, I also plan on attending Pride parades all around the world. This is the time to celebrate the undeniable feats we as a community have had to face, and to recognize the achievements that have been made. I cannot wait to see so many wonderful and beautiful people dancing and marching in the streets, proudly proclaiming their existence in this world. Remind yourselves that you should be extremely proud of who you are and no one can bring you down.
Although Pride parades are occurring around the world, there are some places that are more accepting of these celebrations than others. We have to remember that Pride in the states is completely different from Pride in countries like Jamaica. We must remember the people who are still being oppressed and stripped of their freedom as we march, sing and dance for our fellow LGBT community members. I raise the rainbow flag because I have faced discrimination as an LGBT member. I raise the rainbow flag because I am happily in a same-sex relationship. I raise the rainbow flag because I am proud.
Happy Pride everyone!
