The relevance of Gay Pride

While interviewing for a position (I did NOT get) :( I was asked to provide a writing sample responding to the question: How is Gay Pride still relevant? Below is my response to that question.

To ask the question: “How is pride still relevant?” is to ask the questions: “How is the ERA still relevant?” Or “How is the NAACP still relevant?” Pride is more than a parade, drinking, loud thumping bass music and rainbow regalia. Pride is a continued movement working towards equality for all gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender individuals within a community.

There is nothing more exciting for a gay individual than attending the very first Pride. So much to see, so much to do. But aside from the beautiful half clothed bodies and creative costumes that which stands out the most (whether realized at that moment or not) is the feeling of community, a sense of belonging. For some gay individuals a Pride celebration is the first or only place to experience that acceptance. For some straight individuals it’s their only exposure to the gay lifestyle. But for all it’s a celebration of life. It’s an opportunity to be in this world together at the same time and in the same space as the unique individuals that we all are.

In addition, Pride is important to those questioning their sexuality because is allows them to see that gays lives are being lived and lived happily. It also shows them the very, very different types of gay lives being lived. From the leather daddies to the bears to the lesbian bikers to the drag queens to the buttoned up CPAs to the families consisting of two fathers or two mothers and their children. It’s important that all the different versions are seen and they are.

And just as important, Pride is not just for those “wondering” or newly out. It’s also very beneficial to those of us who have been out for some time because Pride acts as a bit of an annual national holiday for gays. Much like Mothers Day and Fathers Day, Pride allows us to celebrate ourselves while also being celebrated by/with our family and friends. Though no gifts are given to us (hmm…there’s an idea to start) Pride is OUR national holiday.