Pride: Be True, Be You, Be Kind

Happy Pride Month! As we celebrate pride month 2023, it’s important that we use this month to spread kindness, love, and acceptance to all those who are part of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride month, which takes place every June, promotes equality, inclusion, and acceptance for all those within the LGBTQ+ community. This month is used to spread awareness and advocacy for all those in the community.

I am not part of the LGBTQ+ community, but I have been a very strong ally for years. I am very passionate about protecting, advocating for, and assisting those within the community and working with communities across the country to make resources and education available for those who need it.

For me, pride is simply being who you are. I am very saddened by how many people within the LGBTQ+ community are treated sometimes. From states passing laws dehumanizing those who may be gay or transgender, to homophobes online spreading hate and bullying those who are just being themselves, to those who plan attacks and violence against LGBTQ+ people, it’s honestly disgusting. In 2023, it saddens me that we still have so much hate out there. Why can’t we let people be free, happy, and themselves.

Many of you may not know, but the One Life project actually runs a chain of social media pages called Our Colors United, which were formed to give those within the LGBTQ+ community a safe place to go. I get called disgusting names daily for running the pages. Some people question why I am such a vocal supporter for LGBTQ+ folks when I am not part of the community myself. For me, that is part of the problem. As humans, we shouldn’t have to be part of something to support it. As humans, we should embrace those who are different from us. Every human in the world is different from the next and that is what makes us human. I ask every individual to step back and think for a minute. Why would you hate others who are just trying to be themselves? If we all showed kindness and love for others, our world would be such a better, more loving place. BE AN ALLY! Show your support for LGBTQ+ youth and adults.

The issue is that many people believe that people can only identify with a certain gender and love certain people, but it’s just simply not true. Those who are gay, lesbian, queer, transgender, or are among the many other identities, they are also human. They are just working to find who they are and need support and love so they can feel comfortable in their own skin with who they truly are.

To all the homophones, bullies, and those who are unkind to LGBTQ+ individuals, I am sorry. I am sorry that you have so much hate and disgust in your heart, that you cannot let others live free and love who they choose to love. I am sorry that you feel so offended by innocent people, who are just being themselves. I hope that one day you realize how disgusting and stupid you sound. Your hurtful words of hate hurt others and can even kill. LGBTQ+ youth are much more likely to commit suicide or self harm, much of the time because of the hate and lack of support they receive for being who they are.

During this month of June, I ask that everyone work to educate and learn about LGBTQ+ individuals, how you can support them, and why it’s important for ALL of us to come together to show support and love for all.

To all my gay, queer, transgender, and LGBTQ+ friends: I love you, I see you, I support you, and I have your back. Today, tomorrow, and always. Please always be true to who you are. Be yourself and don’t listen to anyone who tells you otherwise. To those who are figuring out their sexuality, it’s okay not to know. It’s okay to be scared. You are loved and supported, even if it doesn’t feel like it. We are a community of support here and will have your back no matter what. Happy Pride Month to all. Much love!

Be true, be you, be kind.