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June is Gay Pride Month

 

Here it is June and for many in our community it is the beginning of Pride Month. Celebrations will take place in many cities across the country, including Sonoma and Napa counties, San Francisco, Sacramento, New York, Los Angeles and others.

It is not only about the parades and parties that go on, but it is about our community being together, showing our solidarity and in the words of Cyndi Lauper, “Our True Colors.” It is our opportunity to show the world that we do exist and that our struggle for equality still exists. 

I will never forget my first Gay Pride in New York City and how amazed I was at the staggering number of people walking together, holding hands and being proud. I remember weeping at times because I had never seen such a beautiful sight and for the first time in my life I felt part of a community. It gave me a sense of self; that I was not alone. All these years later, Gay Pride means exactly the same thing to me and I still have moments where I get choked up and I feel proud and definitely not alone.

In these days of bullying and as the struggle for equality seems to be within reach Pride is just as vital. To that young man or woman who is struggling to come out it is about that wonderment of knowing that they are not alone. To an older generation it is an opportunity to reflect on what has come before and where we have yet to go.

 

To all, I wish you a very Happy Pride. Celebrate!