Pride month, for me, is as much of a celebration of queer identities as it is a time to continue the fight for respect without respectability politics. It’s a focused time to bring people together on queer issues—including racial and economic justice.
It’s also a time when I reflect on my own journey since coming out of the closet. Oh, how far I have come, from navigating stifling discretion to now openly celebrating and advocating at work! This self-love and acceptance has helped me bloom so bright.
This pride month was spent doing what I needed to be doing: reading, learning, protesting, reflecting, donating, building community. Loving. Growing.