Summary

The article emphasizes the importance of attending Pride events in 2023 as a stance against white supremacist and Christian nationalist ideologies, and as a means to teach children about self-respect and the true meaning of LGBTQ Pride.

Abstract

In the face of threats from groups like the Patriot Front, the author asserts the necessity of showing up at Pride events to demonstrate support for LGBTQ rights and to serve as a positive example for younger generations. The author dismisses the threats as coming from "cowardly little dweebs" and cites the example of Joe Flood, who confronted a Patriot Front march with humor. The article contrasts the negative connotations of pride in some religious contexts with the positive self-respect meant by LGBTQ Pride, advocating for pride as a virtue that should be taught to children. The author plans to attend their local Pride event, offering free hugs as a gesture of love and support, despite personal challenges with autism and physical contact.

Opinions

The author believes that attending Pride events is a way to defy the threats of violence from white supremacists and Christian nationalists.
They view the threats from groups like the Patriot Front as largely empty and not a reason to avoid Pride events.
The author suggests that LGBTQ Pride is a positive force, promoting dignity and self-respect, which is distinct from the negative implications of pride found in certain biblical interpretations.
Emphasizing the importance of visibility and support, especially for LGBTQ youth, the author encourages others to bring children to Pride events to teach them about self-respect.
The author personally plans to overcome their own discomfort with physical contact to offer free hugs at Pride, demonstrating their commitment to the cause.
The article implies that fashion choices, such as the "silly guys in khaki pants," can be a point of critique and humor in the face of adversity.

Pride 2023 DEFIES White Supremacists, Christian Nationalists

Attend Pride For The Kids: We Have To!

Show them what the word “pride” really means

**Photo by Patrick Perkins on Unsplash**

Will I be attending Pride this year? Oh hell yes!

We have to. Not just for ourselves, but for the younger generations coming up behind us. We have to show up. For them.

I do not belittle concerns and fears about threats of violence. That has to be taken seriously, and I do understand if some folk, in some parts of the country, decide to take a pass this year on attending a Pride event.

For my part though, maybe I’m naive, but I really feel like most of the threats are coming from cowardly little dweebs briefly emerging from their mom’s basement to puff and preen to show what tough manly men they are. I’m talking about yahoos like the Patriot Front. Remember them from last year, in Coeur d’Alene, Idaho? Caught with their khaki pants down so to speak in a U-Haul on their way to disrupt a Pride parade? Police found one smoke grenade in the U-Haul. What a bunch of dweebs.

We should follow the example of Joe Flood who hopped on his bicycle and taunted a Patriot Front march in DC. This is so hilarious.

Yes, I will be at my local Pride-in-the-park event this year. We have to do it. We have to show everyone exactly what the word “pride” means.

Class is in session and it is vocabulary time. That word “pride” is complex. Who is using the word and in what context makes a lot of difference. For example, if you are attending a Bible study class, you will hear assorted verses like these:

Proverbs 11:2 “When pride comes, then comes dishonor …”

Proverbs 16:18 “Pride goes before destruction …”

Gee, that sounds quite very negative, doesn’t it?

Then there is Proverbs 16:5: “Everyone who is proud in heart is an abomination to the Lord …”

Wow, that is very negative indeed.

There are those who use the word “pride” as referring to vanity, haughtiness, and arrogance. Again, the negativity!

None of this, however, has anything to do with LGBTQ Pride. Our “pride” definition is this:

Proper respect for oneself; sense of one’s own dignity or worth; self-respect.

I cannot think of anything better to teach to a child, can you? Show up to Pride and bring the kids! I hear my local Pride in the park might have a rainbow rubber duckie wading pool for the kids to splash and play in. Yeah, maybe rubber duckies are not very dignified, but it will be fun, I’m sure.

Pride is about dignity and respect. You have to show up for that. I myself am considering bringing a “free hugs” sign. I want everyone who passes me at Pride to know I respect them, love them, and support them, so I will offer them a hug. That is actually a big leap for me, being autistic, since physical contact with a lot of strangers is NOT my thing. However, these days, I know lots of folk in the LGBTQ community could use a hug. So I can deal with my autism and do this. It is the least I can do.

Show up! I’ll be there, hugging strangers, because I’m proud to be me and proud of everyone else who dares show up despite threats from silly guys in khaki pants that don’t match.

At the very least we can model better fashion sense, right?

Happy Pride to you all, dear readers.

This story is a response to the Prism & Pen writing prompt, Pride 2023 DEFIES White Supremacists, Christian Nationalists.

Pride 2023 DEFIES White Supremacists, Christian Nationalists

A Prism & Pen writers prompt

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