How to Live Pride All Year Long

It is June 30th 2021 and I feel like I am just looking from my laptop for first time in two years. Since late summer 2019 I have been grinding through a Master's degree in Behavioral Economics. This Sunday I submitted my very last assignment in my very last class. While I was awash in relief by 8pm on Sunday night, I was also a bit sad that I hadn't spent my day in the thick of NYC's Pride celebrations.

In years past the energy I absorb during just one Sunday at NYC Pride mitigates the emotional hangover I feel when the rainbows disappear from my social feeds come July 1st. In an age of short attention spans and in an (admittedly selfish) effort to lift my own spirits I wanted to share my three ways I plan to live Pride in all year long.

1. For those who are out and visible in the LGBTQ+ community, know that I am right by your side. The battle for equality is nowhere near over. While Pride is a chance to celebrate, I recognize that there is real dirty work which still needs to be done. I will donate time and money to forward the cause. I will support organizations who have a mission and purpose aligned with the values of equality and inclusiveness. And if I am in the room with you, virtually or physically, I will create and hold a space for you and everyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community. Together we can do anything.
2. For those of you who are not out, know that I am will be your port in the storm and I will keep your secret. If you share your world with me and tell me that your lesbian or gay or bi or trans or queer... I will never respond with, "I don't care" . Because I do care. I care very, very much who you are. Who you love matters. Just as your family, your children, your history and your culture matters. Those are the building blocks of who we all are. I want to know everything about you.
3. For my straight friends and ally's, wave your flag high where everyone can see! You can not just be an Ally when it is convenient or when it is June. Commit to coming out as an Ally everyday, just as those in the LGBTQ+ community find themselves coming out everyday. Come out as an Ally in every meeting and in every interaction. Be aware and conscious of the way you speak. Look for those who you think might need connection and reach out a hand.

As our the calendar flips to July and our news feeds shift to the next topic, I hope you take a moment to ask yourself, how will you keep Pride in your heart all year long? You can start by sharing this blog and dropping a comment on the post to let the world know how you plan to keep Pride 365 days a year.