What does pride month mean to you? To me... pride means never having to apologize for who I am. It means never having to question whether I should have come out. Pride month means I have a chance to express myself in ways others were never able to because of the society we live in. Pride month means allowing myself to live to my fullest potential as the woman I am. Pride month is also the reminder that we have a long ways to go. Pride month is the reminder that there are those who want us dead simply for existing. A reminder of Stonewall and all of the lives lost in a war that shouldn’t have to exist just to gain some equality and safety in this world. Pride month is a symbol of hope that greater things will come. The symbol of freedom for so many who are locked in dark closets, hiding from the world, just as I was with countless others. The symbol of community and love and acceptance even in the face of chaos and evil. The beacon of light which helps us remember that we are here, and we are strong for existing. The light shining through the cracks in the door to show you parts of yourself that you may not otherwise see. Pride Month may only be 1 month of the year, but PRIDE... that is forever. Our pride allows us to stand tall against those who try to throw us down into the dirt. Our pride is what binds us together. This is what pride month means to me. This is what I am celebrating.
