PRIDE 2023 DEFIES WHITE SUPREMACISTS, CHRISTIAN NATIONALISTS

Why Pride Is More Important Now Than Ever

An intimate narrative exploring the power of Pride, amidst a world striving to suppress authenticity, and why it’s a lifeline for so many.

Ever heard that old saying, ‘Pride comes before a fall’? I used to think it was about not getting too cocky or arrogant. But here’s a different take for you: maybe it’s not about preventing a fall, but cushioning it. Our pride — our true selves — is what gets us back up when the world knocks us down. And trust me, in my world, it does.

Let me paint a picture.

I want you to imagine you are a shy 14-year-old again. You’re nursing your first crush, the kind that makes your heart do cartwheels every time your eyes meet. It’s a secret, locked away in the deep recesses of your heart, because your crush isn’t the opposite sex. Now, put yourself in the shoes of someone living in a world that tells you, every day, your feelings are abnormal, wrong.

Tough, huh?

That’s why Pride is crucial. It’s not just about rainbow flags or fabulous parades — though I’d be lying if I said they aren’t a riot. It’s about standing up tall and saying, “Hey, world, this is me!” Especially when that world would much rather you didn’t.

You may try to rain on our parade, but all you’ll do is create more rainbows.

Let’s be clear: I’m not saying it’s easy. Standing tall when you’re constantly being pushed down is hard. But Pride is important because someone somewhere still believes they’re better off dead than being themselves. An unthinkable notion, right? But, that’s the brutal truth for so many. To them, Pride becomes a beacon of hope, a lifeline.

Nowadays, the situation seems to have escalated even further. James Finn from Prism & Pen highlighted last week on his article ‘Pride 2023 DEFIES White Supremacists, Christian Nationalists’, how LGBTQ groups are canceling Pride in response to violent threats, due to laws defining drag queens as “adult entertainment.” It’s 2023 for heaven’s sake, and yet, some people are still stuck in the dark ages. It’s as if we’ve learned nothing from history.

This reminds me of that one time at Auckland Pride, back in 2018. Amid the ecstasy and euphoria, there was a palpable tension. Underneath the shimmer of our outfits, we all had an armor of resilience on, against the protests and threats. I remember seeing signs, “God hates fags!” and “Repent, or burn in hell!” It was like a slap in the face, but the defiance, the courage I saw in the crowd, made me swell with Pride. It was a message loud and clear: we wouldn’t be silenced.

Regrettably, this issue isn’t just limited to street protestors. Various political and religious groups openly plot against Pride events every year. But you know what they say, “The harder the conflict, the more glorious the triumph.”

Pride is about recognizing and respecting diversity, and more importantly, it’s about acknowledging our shared humanity. It’s not just about fighting against those who seek to suppress us, but also about educating and enlightening them.

Here’s a tip for allies out there: open up a dialogue. It’s surprising how many misconceptions and fears can be dispelled through simple conversation. Start with empathy, it’s the first step towards understanding.

Look, I’m not saying we should force everyone to march in Pride parades or demand straight people wear rainbow shirts every June. But, everyone should understand the power of Pride, the importance of acknowledging who you are, and the courage it takes to exist authentically in a world that often says you shouldn’t.

Pride isn’t just about survival, it’s about thriving. It’s about celebrating the myriad of colors we bring into the world, because, hey, a rainbow is much more vibrant than a world painted in monochrome, right?

Remember, the fight is far from over. Now, more than ever, Pride events have become a necessity. We’re living in a time when homophobic slurs are still hurled casually, when our identities are being demeaned as “adult entertainment”, and extremist groups still believe they can eradicate our existence.

For instance, imagine a life where stepping out of your house and revealing your true identity becomes an act of defiance. The sidewalks of Manhattan, where I’ve marched with my head held high, have often echoed with insults and threats. It’s like we’re walking a tightrope, balancing between who we are and who the world wants us to be.

Yet, we walk it. We walk it because every step we take on those city streets is a step towards a world where love is not confined by societal norms. We walk it because our pride is a statement to the world that we won’t back down.

Humor me a bit here, do you remember that game of telephone we used to play as kids? You start with one sentence, whisper it down the line, and by the end, it’s morphed into something completely different. Well, sometimes I think society is playing one giant game of telephone with the concept of Pride. We need to cut through that static, make our voices heard, and ensure the original, beautiful message isn’t lost in translation.

Despite the challenges, the fear, the bigotry, we continue to rise, continue to shine. We are the silent warriors in high heels and glitter, armed with courage and cloaked in authenticity. We are the trailblazers, creating a world where love and identity are not shrouded in shame, but celebrated with Pride.

It’s about living with authenticity, celebrating diversity, and standing tall in the face of adversity. But most importantly, Pride is about remembering that someone, somewhere, may still think they’re better off dead than being themselves — and doing everything we can to change that narrative. Because in this rollercoaster called life, being true to oneself should never be a ticket to despair, but a badge of honor, a testament to our resilience and, above all, a cause for Pride.

Let’s stand up for each other. Not because we’re LGBTQ, but because we’re humans who believe in the power of authenticity, who understand the courage it takes to be ourselves, and because we know that every person matters, and no one should ever believe they’d be better off dead than being themselves.

So next time you see a rainbow flag or witness a Pride parade, know that it’s not just a celebration, it’s a revolution. It’s a proclamation that love has no labels, no boundaries.

For everyone who’s been forced to hide their true selves, remember, your Pride is your strength. Your identity, your love, your existence, matter. Don’t let anyone ever tell you otherwise. Stand tall, stand proud, and let your colors shine.

And to those trying to suppress us, remember this: You may try to rain on our parade, but all you’ll do is create more rainbows. That’s the beauty of Pride — it persists, it thrives. Like a phoenix, it rises from the ashes, more vibrant and more resilient than before.

At the end of the day, Pride is more than a month, more than a parade. It’s a movement that continues every single day, with every single one of us who chooses to be true to ourselves. It’s a reminder to everyone out there that we’re here, we’re queer, and we’re not going anywhere.

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

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