World Pride NYC 2019

Friends! How long has it been?? Too long, but what better day to return with a blog post than today, WORLD PRIDE 2019!!

What does that mean, “World Pride”? Well, from what I understood and saw today, it was literally countries from all over the world marching together in NYC during the Gay Pride Parade. Friends, it was pretty awesome to witness.

I want to also say that this year marked the 50 year anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Riots. A very concise history on that is that 50 years ago (June 28th, 1969) members of the gay community rioted against police raids against homosexuals at the Stonewall Inn. Fifty years ago, it was a riot. Today, it was a celebration. A celebration that would not be possible, let alone on the grand scheme that it was today, without the brave souls that fought against hate and discrimination

I, along with all members of the LGBTQ community, thank those souls. Because of them, I was able to attend Pride openly with my rainbow gear and actually feel accepted and proud.

Because of them, I saw rainbows and inclusivity all over New York City today. I will soon write another post about what it means and feels like to see the rainbow in windows of businesses and homes. I want to really try and write a post about it, but I’m not sure I could ever actually put it into words. However, I will try and summarize it now and simply say – it’s an overwhelming feeling of safety. An overwhelming feeling of belonging. An overwhelming feeling of being acknowledged. Those are three emotions that I, and many many more, can never take for granted.

I always feel a deep sadness after Pride and on June 30th. It’s not something I ever really discuss with people. But I do feel it. I always miss the feeling that for one month out of the year, but especially one day out of the year – I can just be me and not feel self conscious about it. Don’t get me wrong. I am always proud of who I am, and I wear my sexuality on my sleeve. Like seriously, I’m practically a walking rainbow. Also, I am accepted for who I am and who I love, very much so in my every day life. I am very thankful for that. But there is just this extra comfort of knowing that for the month of June, I am safe, accepted and acknowledged everywhere. Perhaps it’s just in my mind, but those emotions quickly fade on July 1st. On July 1st, I am back to being fully aware of the reality of someone like me. I am no longer able to blindly (and happily) walk around knowing I’ll be welcomed any and everywhere. I don’t want to dwell on that any longer. Instead, let me get back to feeling beyond thankful for Pride month and the Gay Pride March every year. Beyond thankful those riots turned into celebrations.

I hope that everyone celebrated Pride exactly how they wanted to this year. Exactly how they want to every year. I hope all of us that attended the World Pride March in NYC loved each second they were there – and fully felt the love and acceptance all around. Truly, it was everywhere. And truly, I hope you all felt it. Until next June…

HAPPY PRIDE EVERYONE!!!