Celebrating Pride in 2023

Over the weekend, I found myself in Charleston, SC with a friend, seeking a little R&R and good times. Little did I know that we had accidentally timed our trip with Charleston's Pride Parade. As we checked into our hotel, something caught my eye—Pride balloons proudly decorating the lobby. Well, curiosity got the best of me, and off we made plans to watch the parade Saturday morning.

Now, I've been to my fair share of Pride events, marching alongside my husband or simply soaking up the festive atmosphere. But attending a Pride event in a "red" state? That was uncharted territory for me. So, with a mix of excitement and intrigue, we decided to jump right in.

Let's face it, Pride in 2023 feels a bit different. While we've made significant strides in LGBTQI+ rights, our civil liberties are facing an onslaught of attacks. According to the Human Rights Campaign, just this year, state legislatures have introduced a staggering 540 anti-LGBTQI+ laws. And it's not just generic legislation; over 220 bills specifically target transgender and non-binary people. As if that wasn't disheartening enough, we've already seen 45 anti-LGBTQI+ laws enacted, ranging from absurd restrictions on gender affirming care for transgender youth to censoring school curriculum. It's enough to make you want to bang your head against a glittery rainbow-colored wall.

If that's not enough to dampen your spirits, Uganda recently signed one of the harshest anti-LGBTQI+ laws into effect. We're talking punishments that include the possibility of a death sentence. Sadly, this is just one example of the tough battles our LGBTQI+ siblings face across the African continent.

Now, you might be wondering, how does all this tie back to a Pride event in South Carolina? Well, on the morning of the parade, I had a chance encounter with a mother and her seventeen-year-old son in the hotel lobby. Her son had recently come out as gay, and life in rural South Carolina hadn't exactly been a bed of roses. He had endured years of bullying and had never met another openly gay person in person—until that day. Thankfully, his amazing mother decided to make the trip to Charleston, giving him the opportunity to attend his first Pride and discover a sense of pride within himself.

And let me tell you, that teenager's experience aligned perfectly with what Pride means to me. It's about visibility, community, celebration, and acceptance. It's a powerful reminder of the origins of Pride, dating back to the Stonewall Rebellions in 1970. Back then, as it is today, Pride was a necessary act of resistance and a celebration of our true selves.

So, my friends, let's remember that Pride is more than just a big party (though the glitter and fabulous outfits are definitely a bonus). It's a rallying cry for our rights and a beacon of hope for those who are still fighting for acceptance. Whether it's 63 years ago or today, we need Pride just as much. So, let's keep marching, keep celebrating, and keep pushing for a world where love, equality, and rainbow unicorns reign supreme!