Table of Contents
What does Pride mean to you? For some Pride means a feeling or deep pleasure or satisfaction, derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. But this month, we celebrate it as confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience. Happy Pride to everyone! Read on to learn the history of Pride.
My Exciting Experience
So, I attended our local Pride parade this past weekend. I usually march with my husband, but he was out of town. One of my teen daughters marched in the parade. My other teen daughter wanted to go as she has never been. So we went. Now, we here in Columbus, Ohio at a rather large event. There were over 13,000 marchers who were cheered on by over half a million people.
Since I am usually in the parade, I had no concept of what the parade was like, who marched in it, what the floats looked like, etc. But we watched, and watched, and watched some more. After three hours, the parade was still going. But, I was fascinated to sit and watch one daughter take it all in and another one march.
Not only did my one daughter watch the parade for the first time, but she also, unfortunately, got exposure to the protesters. She was confused by the protesters’ message and why they would even try to crash the event. She understands people have the right to protest, but was perplexed as to why they would waste their time in such a huge crowd that was there to watch, observe and participate in everything around them except their protest.
I will say, I am a person who does not care what you are as much as who you are. Pride is one of the happiest festivals/celebrations I have ever attended. You do not have to know a single soul to feel welcomed. There are people giving hugs, other dress up together, some just join other groups and hang around.
Pride, A Sense of Sadness
Although this is one of the most laid back and happiest events I have ever attended, it brings a sense of sadness to me as well. The history of Pride and its initiation was sad in itself. To think that many see Pride as a chance to celebrate, which is important because being who they come with a lot of anxieties that can take a big mental toll. Not to forget that at these events, people feel freer to be themselves and feel more connected to others who have gone through similar struggles. Isn’t that sad.?
Yes, I used the phrase “who they are.” Why you may ask? We are all different in many ways. If you think about it, we all fit in some category of “who they are.” So, why are certain groups targeted versus others? For me, it is hard to understand because I see people for who they are, not what they are. If you treat people with respect and kindness, I like you. If you do not, I will not judge, but I will try to understand why you are the way you are.
All One Needs is An Open Mind
Did I just say that? Uh-huh, I did. I referenced “open-mindedness.” What is open-mindedness? Open-mindedness is receptiveness to new ideas. Open-mindedness relates to the way in which people approach the views and knowledge of others, and in the words of Dean Tjosvold “incorporate the beliefs that others should be free to express their views and that the value of others’ knowledge should be recognized.” Nowhere in this definition does it say you have to agree with new ideas or accept them. But it does state one seeks to understand or educate yourself with other views.
Simply put…MIND YOUR OWN BUSINESS PEOPLE! If no one is hurting you, there is no problem. If there is a problem and it does not involve you, you are most likely the problem.
The History of Pride
The history of the gay rights movement in this country is usually dated to 1969 when the patrons of a New York City bar fought back against a discriminatory police raid. At the time, homosexuality or “sodomy,” as it was referred to in the legal books, was still a crime. Men could be arrested for wearing drag, and women faced the same punishment if they were found wearing less than three pieces of “feminine clothing.” The harassment continued for years, infuriating the gay community. On June 28, 1969, the police arrived at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village. However, the 200 patrons inside didn’t just sit down and wait to be arrested. They resisted, they rioted, sending the police a loud and clear message about their frustration with the status quo for LGBT individuals.
The phrase “gay pride” was coined in 1970.
The first rainbow flag was introduced in 1978. Artist Gilbert Baker created the first rainbow flag for a San Francisco march organized by Harvey Milk. Baker’s version had eight stripes rather than the six the flag carries today. He intended each stripe to represent an aspect of the gay identity: “hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony and violet for spirit.”
2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
Can You Say, “No Harm Done?”
Interestingly enough, the US is not the only county to celebrate Pride. It is honored in many other countries. However, in some countries, it can be grounds for death. For real? Yes, crazy right? What harm is done to someone (other than the parties involved in the relationship) when two people want to be together? None. Now take the same sentence, what harm is done to someone (other than the parties involved in the relationship) when two people of the same sex want to be together? Again, nothing!
So why do other people intrude into others’ lives? Could it be their own insecurities? Are they trying to ignore their own issues? It could be a whole basket of issues. But hands down, the ones who are demonstrating the confidence, self-love and high self-esteem are the ones who know themselves and have the courage to stand up for themselves, their lifestyles, beliefs, etc…
Happy Happy Pride!
So Happy Pride to everyone out there that can relate to being different than the norm, willing to take chances, standing up for what they believe in and knowing who you really are! You are far better off than those who have the close-mind. So carry on my friends and again, HAPPY PRIDE!
Share your Pride story below!
Check out my store Rock Your Vibe Apparel!
Welcome to Rock Your Vibe Apparel. My goal is to design apparel that will make a statement! Its full purpose is for you to be happy, confident, and comfortable with who you are. These are a few basics necessary to being happy internally and eternally!
“Your life becomes a Masterpiece when you learn to master Peace. “~Unknown
Get your FREE “Be Your Best Self Course” HERE!!!
Get your FREE “BE YOUR BEST SELF” course here!
DO YOU WANT TO PURSUE LIFELONG HAPPINESS AND SUCCESS?
Discover the TOP METHODS many of the most SUCCESSFUL PEOPLE are using to MAINTAIN LIFELONG HAPPINESS and ONGOING SUCCESS, for FREE!
Click here to get your 10 Free video modules and get you on your way to a HAPPIER YOU!
Learn more from WTF, Wednesday Thought Forum
If you like this video, be sure to check out my YouTube channel for more self-growth information, interaction and to find WTF live every Wednesday at 7 pm EST.
You can also find me on Facebook.
Want more? Sign up for my emails…
Want more articles, tips, tricks, and hacks to read with your morning coffee? Sign up here to get the latest. I only send two emails a week.
Yes! I am on Pinterest too!
You can find me on Pinterest here!
