PRIDE: From Ashes We Rise: The Triumph of LGBTQ Resilience

LGBTQ people are truly remarkable.

In a world where bigotry and hatred have long reigned supreme, we have emerged as the resilient architects of our own destinies, shaping a world then coveted, desired, and purchased by the very ones who once sought to suppress us.

Our diverse communities transform the landscapes of oppression into vibrant centers of beauty and culture, turning slums into coveted neighborhoods where the rich clamor to reside.

This transformation is the result of our superpower—the ability to rise above adversity and create beauty from pain.

We defy societal norms and challenge injustices, dodging bricks, threats, and fists.

We disappoint our parents' ignorant hopes and dreams of what we can never be.

We battle against government oppression, in every country in the world, every minute.

We endure the stigma of world religions teaching conditional love, with conditions we can never apply.

In our childhoods, we faced bullying.

In our classrooms, we experience discrimination.

We've survived the plague, and then the pandemic, yet we rise above it all.

But amidst these trials, there lies a deeper truth—a truth born from our very differences.

For centuries, our identities have been perceived as wounds, something to be ashamed of or to hide. Yet, in the depths of that woundedness, we discover a profound wisdom—a strength born from adversity.

Our wounds become sources of resilience, shaping us into beings of extraordinary depth and insight.

In embracing our own deep and personal differences from the dominant society’s false expectations of us, we reclaim our power.

We transform our wounds into sources of strength, our struggles into sources of wisdom. What was once perceived as a weakness becomes a badge of honor—a testament to our resilience and capacity for growth.

So, let's celebrate this resilience, this courage, this unyielding determination.

Our story is not just a story of survival; it's a triumph—a testament to the incredible strength of the human spirit.

In a world marked by division and hatred, the LGBTQ community stands as a beacon of hope. Our journey reminds us of the power of resilience, the beauty of diversity, and the importance of standing up for what is right.

Let's celebrate this spirit—not diminish it.

I invite each of you to consider who your own heroes, mentors, and teachers are—the ones who have paved the way for you to rise in your own queer superpower.

Reflect on the voices that have inspired you, the stories that have touched your heart, and the guidance that has shaped your journey.

Share their names, their stories, and their legacies with us, for in celebrating their impact, we celebrate the strength and resilience within each of us.

Here are some of my heros, real examples of beautiful gay individuals who have overcome adversity, channeled their pain into creativity, and made significant contributions to the world:

Alan Turing: Renowned mathematician and computer scientist, Turing played a crucial role in breaking the German Enigma code during World War II, significantly shortening the war and saving countless lives. Despite facing persecution for his homosexuality, his work laid the foundation for modern computing.

Bayard Rustin: A key figure in the American civil rights movement, Rustin was a close advisor to Martin Luther King Jr. and played a significant role in organizing the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom in 1963. He faced discrimination due to his sexual orientation but continued to fight for equality and justice for all.

Marsha P. Johnson: An influential transgender rights activist and prominent figure in the LGBTQ+ community, Johnson played a pivotal role in the Stonewall uprising of 1969, a turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. She co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the advocacy group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), advocating for the rights of transgender and homeless individuals.

Virginia Woolf: A pioneering writer and one of the foremost modernists of the 20th century, Woolf's literary works, including "Mrs. Dalloway" and "To the Lighthouse," revolutionized the novel form. She explored themes of gender, sexuality, and identity in her writing, challenging societal norms and paving the way for future generations of LGBTQ+ authors.

Frida Kahlo: An iconic Mexican artist known for her vibrant and surreal self-portraits, Kahlo's work explored themes of identity, gender, and the human experience. Despite enduring physical and emotional pain throughout her life, Kahlo's art continues to resonate with audiences worldwide, inspiring generations of artists and activists.

James Baldwin: An influential writer and social critic, Baldwin's novels, essays, and plays addressed issues of race, sexuality, and class in America with unparalleled insight and eloquence. His works, including "Go Tell It on the Mountain" and "The Fire Next Time," continue to be celebrated for their profound impact on literature and social justice movements.

Audre Lorde: A trailblazing poet, essayist, and activist, Lorde's writings explored themes of race, gender, sexuality, and social justice. As a black lesbian woman, she brought a unique perspective to her work, advocating for intersectional feminism and the empowerment of marginalized communities.

Jean-Michel Basquiat: A groundbreaking artist whose raw and expressive style challenged the conventions of the art world, Basquiat's paintings continue to captivate audiences with their powerful imagery and social commentary. His work often addressed themes of race, identity, and inequality, cementing his legacy as one of the most influential artists of the 20th century.

Sylvia Rivera: A transgender activist and veteran of the Stonewall uprising, Rivera co-founded the Gay Liberation Front and the advocacy group Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR) to fight for the rights of transgender and homeless individuals. Her activism paved the way for greater visibility and acceptance of transgender people within the LGBTQ+ community.

Oscar Wilde: A celebrated playwright, poet, and author, Wilde's wit, and flamboyance made him a central figure in the aesthetic and decadent movements of the late 19th century. Despite facing persecution for his homosexuality, his works, including "The Picture of Dorian Gray" and "The Importance of Being Earnest," remain timeless classics of English literature.I invite you to share who your heros and mentors are.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Cory Thorell is a proud gay man, healer, personal coach, and spiritual guide dedicated to guiding individuals on transformative journeys of self-discovery and healing. With a background in ancient wisdom and modern techniques, Cory integrates his knowledge to help clients overcome challenges, reconnect with their true selves, and create lives they love. As someone on the medicine path, Cory brings a unique perspective and deep understanding to his work, empowering others to embrace their authenticity and live with purpose.