This article was published on September 1st, 2012
Pride is a by-product of self-reflection and a sense-of-self. It’s a sign of maturity, looking at successes and failures over a period of time. Pride comes from the appreciation of celebrating accomplishments.
The LGBT community has been celebrating Pride since the tragic Stonewall Riots in New York City over 42 years ago. Over the past four decades many individuals, organizations, political leaders, celebrities and allies of the LGBT community have joined together to celebrate diversity and successes for equal rights in our communities, countries and around the world.
It’s the active engagement of protecting human rights, education of personal rights, and expanding the awareness to others which makes Pride events so important world-wide.
Be proud for being knowledgable on LGBT issues, for being involved, for coming out, and celebrating the accomplishments and hard work of the individuals who have helped earn equal rights, and for those who continue to bring rights to others.
Making our communities more visible, accessible and whole is key. Take part in your community. Be a part of something special, knowing you are helping yourself and others around you.
Most importantly, be proud.
What are you most proud about? Please share your thoughts by leaving a comment on this blog post.
Yes your points are all valid. But pride over the years has become an over glorified party placing every stereotype about the LGBT community in the spot light, making a bad name for our community. I don’t feel the need to celebrate pride any longer as I live every day as a proud gay man. I would rather people rally for our rights in government offices where you can make a difference and not at the pride parade!
Just my thoughts.