Despite being out as Bi for almost 6 years, and out as trans for just over a year, I have not yet been. Partially because I used to live in Texas, partially because I wanted help (invite your friends people, queer or not) going. It sounded unfamilar, and the small city I lived in was not giving off good vibes at all.

Last year I planned on going to the event that also coincided with my birthday, but I ended up being unable to attend any functions because I was "taking a vacation". 😉🤪

This year, I've moved to a far more enlightened part of the country, and I've been 100% living as me in public throughout it. I would be going even if I didn't have a partner, but they are so supportive and we plan on attending at least a couple events together, and I'm quite excited!

As far as my thoughts go on the subject, I like the idea of pride, and I think if its safe for you to do so and you are able to attend an event, you should go.

• you're going to meet people who lack the loud and ignorant opinion of your sexuality and gender that is far too common. This is important for your health. Any time I've spent time with another outwardly open and queer person, I leave feeling much more secure and confident.
• you're not just going for you, you're going for those who cannot. (Again, if you can plan for your safety.) There is a * lightly modified* phrase often said in church that (most hilariously) so applies here: you may be the first queer somebody sees.
• along the same lines as the previous, local pride events are a huge component of the roots and supporting structure for the LGBTQIA+ community at large. This is a chance to not only inform and involve yourself, but also a chance for you have your influence on it. All of the many various complaints we have internally about our community must go beyond the confines of a keyboard.
• Its gonna be fucking fun. It might even be some fucking fun, if thats something you want to go for 😉

This month is gonna be fun. And while there are plenty of companies who are gonna make money and plenty of political heads who will use it for their platforms (good and bad), that doesn't mean you shouldn't go. If we went be that rule, then buying anything, or really even doing anything, would need to be avoided altogether too. And while I'm pretty far fucking left, I'm not going to suffer and shoot myself in the foot as protest because there are way more effective ways to change the world, and they're all way more fun too.