As we move halfway through PRIDE month, I feel an overwhelming sense of love and excitement for the beginning of the summer season. These months, I feel most active and wish to connect with sources outside my sanctuary. Getting out for runs, visiting small businesses, trying new places to eat.
I realize during these months how important community is. There’s something uplifting about making authentic connections and having a sense of belonging. I’m no stranger to building community, but one that I would like to celebrate and discuss this month is the LGBTQ+ community. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community has been natural and necessary. We are humans with a deep desire and right to understanding, love, and respect
Today, I want to share some heartwarming lessons I’ve learned about true pride from our incredible LGBTQ+ community. Their stories and my own experiences have taught me so much about authenticity, resilience, and the power of solidarity.
Embracing Authenticity
One of the most beautiful lessons I’ve learned from my LGBTQ+ community is the importance of embracing authenticity. Many in the LGBTQ+ community have gone through incredible journeys to discover and accept their true selves, often facing a mountain of societal pressure and judgment along the way.
Witnessing such bold self-embraces, despite these challenges, leaves me with a sense of hope for brighter days and pride in their achievements. It shows that real pride comes from within, from being unapologetically oneself. Authenticity takes vulnerability, and when you find your community, it becomes contagious, welcoming you with understanding and love for being yourself. When you love and accept yourself just as you are, you shine with a light that no one can dim. It’s a reminder for all of us to stay true to ourselves, never hide our uniqueness, and celebrate what makes us different.
Building Resilience
The LGBTQ+ community celebrates wins and victories in protecting their rights as well as mourning collectively in tragedy. Witnessing such strength and bravery to continue stepping forward fills me with a sense of joy and inspiration, even if some of it is bittersweet.
The resilience of the LGBTQ+ community is nothing short of amazing. Facing so many hurdles and yet, moving forward with such grace and strength. Its history is filled with courageous battles for rights and recognition that go further back than the Stonewall Inn that was established as a gay bar in NYC in 1966 and they continue to fight for equality and justice every day. It is a reminder that we can all use our voices to represent our communities.
This unwavering determination teaches us that pride isn’t just about celebrating the good times – it’s also about standing tall and strong during the tough times. It encourages us to be resilient in our lives, face our challenges head-on, and take pride in our ability to persevere.
Fostering Inclusivity and Solidarity
Amidst the turmoil in the world, our vibrant community continues to organize events, embracing the power of togetherness to make a meaningful difference, especially during the bleakest of times. Embracing the vibrant spirit of the LGBTQ+ community, we are moved by their unity and support for one another. Here are two resources, particularly in NYC and Florida:
NYC Pride – NYC Pride-ran events offer a diverse array of opportunities to gather in activism, in protest, in celebration, and in advocacy.
Florida Pride – Florida is BIG and full of love when you know where to look! It doesn’t matter whether you’re a proud member of the LGBTQ+ community, an ally who loves to show their support, or you’re not even sure where you fall yet, everyone is always welcome to participate.
This sense of community teaches us that pride isn’t just a personal journey – it is a shared journey of empowerment. It’s about creating and nurturing inclusive spaces where everyone feels safe, valued, and embraced for who they are. Through this shared pride, we learn the importance of advocating for one another, standing by one another, and fostering an environment of acceptance and love.
Final Thoughts
Holding a safe and compassionate space for the LGBTQ+ community has been such a rewarding experience for me. My role as an ally is to amplify LGBTW+ voices and provide a safe space for my services when needed.
Let’s nurture a culture of love and acceptance and celebrate the wonderful diversity that makes our world so beautiful.
Genuine pride is all about being authentic, showing up as your true self, and supporting each other with all our hearts. I want to support you! If you’re a member of the LGBTQ+ community that needs an ear during life’s toughest times… I’m here for you. Please reach out to me and let’s schedule a call!
