A Mess.

Those who aren’t out because they can’t be

Those who aren’t out bc they’re still figuring it out

Those who are out to a select few people

Those who aren’t out bc they don’t feel the need to be out

Those who were outed in a bad way

Those who came out on their own terms

Those who are out and loud and proud

Those who are out but express it in a chill way

Those who find small ways to express their identity when they can’t be out safely

Those who have a well-known identity

Those who use microlabels

Those who have accepting people in their lives

Those who have to stay quiet for their safety

Queer people with disabilities

Queer people of color

Queer kiddos

Queer elders

Cisgender queer people

Trans queer people

Trans straight people

People who experience erasure within and outside the community

Those who have a complicated relationship with their identity

Trans folx who express themselves openly

Trans folx who aren’t sure what way they want to present yet

Trans folx who can’t express themselves openly (yet!!! Always add the ‘yet!!!!’)

Nonbinary folx

Trans people who don’t feel a need to medically transition

Trans people that feel more themselves with medical transitioning

Those who are able to fight for justice

Those who are able to support the fight for equality

Those who recognize that our communities and injustices are interconnected

Everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community

Overall, happy pride!!! Know that you are loved and cared for here! Keep fighting the good fight and waking up each day! You are a gift to this world with the beautiful combination of your individual strengths and weaknesses. No one can replace you and we’re glad you’re here, whatever way that looks like.

I know pride this year is complicated for a whole litany of reasons, and that is completely understandable. But chin up, loves, we’re still here, we’re queer, and my back pain is moderate to severe.

Drink your water, wear sunscreen, find the littlest joys, and tell someone you love them. We will find a way through. Historically, we always have, even through dark times. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Love,