diagonally parked in a parallel universe

This piece not only represents my headcanons for Aloy based on my observations in Horizon playthroughs, but also my tentative relationship with my self-concept of sexuality.

Full disclosure, I don't celebrate Pride Month. Previously, it was due to religious reasons, which, if you were around during the late 2010s, didn't exactly fare well for me when I shared what I thought were immovable, concrete beliefs on the subject.

Fast forward to the mid 2020s, two fandoms later, new friends, new career, new learnings, new connections, etc, and those supposed "immoveable, concrete beliefs" have since changed into something much more amorphous, more considerate and more compassionate. I say I don't celebrate it merely out of lack of spoons, taste, however you may call energy now: I spend enough of it observing Christmas, New Year's, Easter, All Saints' Day and many birthdays.

But that's just me. I know what Pride represents for many people so I'm not here to hark on it or to discourage folks from observing it themselves. I just wanted to be honest. This piece for me, marks something of a declaration. That over the past few years, I've opened myself up to fully sharing that joy and happiness with those who experience it, whether it's a new relationship, a new identity, or even freedom from oppressive situations--all under zero pretenses; as well as being willing to defend my fellow human beings from discrimination and harmful ideologies and behaviors.

"You will know them by their fruit." - Matthew 7:20

It's been a long road from where I once was on the topic of pride and queer identity. Pride, as defined as "overconfidence in oneself, lack of humility, etc." is still significant for me, but I also am aware that this month is not about that. It's about cherishing all human beings, regardless of sexuality, race, identity, etc. It's a response against tyranny, against that desire for domination and control.

After all, everyone is made in the image of God. We are all precious in His sight and we are all meant to live in harmony and peace with one another.

I do not know everything, I might not get everything right—after all, I am only human— but that does not stop me from trying anyway.

If you have any questions or desire clarity about this, please feel free to send me an ask over here on my personal blog. I will not entertain questions on this one for organizational reasons, but I'd love to answer you :)