The reason that the gay community has its own month to celebrate is because, for hundreds upon hundreds of years, people like myself have been told that we are an abomination; that we are unnatural and unwanted. The community that I am apart of, for years, was underground and, before then, didn't even exist as people were so afraid to express their true sexuality. People like I were tortured, tormented, and shunned for expressing themselves; they were disowned by their own families and cast away like garbage, as many people believed that was what they were. In modern days, my brothers and sisters are bullied for who they are, not only by their peers but, in some cases, by their families and, especially, their parents. Their parents send them to psychotherapy or church to help them "pray the gay away." But, alas, you can't change yourself not matter how hard you try.
Over the years, the gay community has grown and, in the last two or three decades, exploded in numbers. People have spoken up, came out and, with loving arms, accepted those like them. Allies have made themselves known, sheltering people like myself from the people who wish to hurt us or change who we are. The number of allies we gain increases drastically every year. Finally, after all these years, the gay community is becoming accepted in society.
Gay pride for me is the pride that, after all those years of torment and ridicule, the gay community still thrived and has made it so far today. Gay pride for me is pride that, after being bullied myself for so long, I am finally comfortable with myself and my sexuality. No longer am I ashamed of who I am--I am deeply proud of myself and the community I represent and belong to. Gay pride for me is the fact that, finally, we are being accepted and even have accomplished the long-sought-after goal of legalizing same-sex marriage.
To anyone struggling with the reality of their sexuality, to anyone being bullied for simply being the person they truly believe in their heart they are: You are not alone. Honey, there is a whole community of people exactly like you. You may not have any idea how large it is but, trust me, there are a lot of people like you and I. And, let me tell you, it does get better. Keep your head up, keep being you. The bigots will pass and there will be nothing but a beautiful rainbow in the wake. There are allies, and there is a strong support group for people like us--reach out to them.
I'll end this blog with a quote from Dr. Seuss that I dearly love:
"Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."
Happy pride month, everyone!
