June is a month to be proud

In case you missed it, June is Pride month. This is the month where we provide a platform and space for members of the LGBTQ2SIA+ community to speak up, support each other, and educate the rest of us on what it is like for them to face daily challenges just by being their authentic selves.

I was born and raised in a small town, by a school teacher and an administrator. We didn’t have many people in our community who identified as gay – at least not openly – but I feel I was raised with a healthy sense of acceptance and an open mind. I can’t say the same for some in my community – and I’m not sure what they are using as an excuse. Perhaps they were raised by bigots, or they aren’t aware of what the Pride movement truly stands for – or maybe they are just afraid of things they don’t understand.

It’s still a shock to me when I hear someone say there should be a Straight parade as well. Educated people. People who should know better. Straight people have not been criticized, ridiculed, discriminated against, bullied or even physically attacked and killed for their lifestyle. That is why we have Pride. Because everyone deserves to live authentically, as their true selves, free from hate. The world would be so boring without all of those rainbow colours.

Gender expression is one thing, and sexuality is another. It can get complicated and confusing if you try to put labels on people. I have learned it is best to let people introduce themselves. They will tell you what you need to know about them. Everything else is their own private business.

I took part in this year’s Pride parade for the first time, along with my theatre group. As I marched, I noticed my former junior high teacher on the sidelines. When she caught my eye, she put one hand on the shoulder of the woman beside her, and one hand over her heart. She was introducing me to her sweetheart. After all these years her private life had been just that. Private. That moment was the highlight of my day.

The perfect ending to the day was a Pride comedy event at Bubba and Bugs, our local café and safe place for the LGBT+ community. They will also host Queer Prom this month, so that those who feel they don’t fit in at their school prom can still celebrate their graduation with someone they love, on their own terms.

To learn more about how to support someone in the LGBT+ community, visit https://pflagcanada.ca/.

I am proud of how my little community is progressing in acceptance and pride – but we do have far to grow.

-30-