The Importance of Pride

I went to my first Pride event — Capital Pride in Washington, D.C. — in 2009, long before I had any idea I was queer. Once I finally did come out, Pride became an even bigger staple in my life. This year I got to celebrate 1 year on T at my city's Pride festival with some of my chosen family. Now, as Pride Month 2023 comes to a close, come join me for a discussion about what Pride has meant to me over the years and why it will always be important for the queer community.

If you have any thoughts or questions, I would love to hear from you in the comments. Most social media algorithms are notoriously unfriendly to queer content, so if you could please like, subscribe, and share this video with anyone who would be interested, I would super appreciate it. HAPPY PRIDE! :)

Music used in this video:
Energetic EDM Party by Infraction from Inaudio No Copyright Music

You can find me on other social media at @gckinsey

[elinwestoo]

What a beautiful video! 😃 I never thought I’d walk a pride parade as anything else than an ally and then i walked in 4 Pride parades last year with the ace and aro flags and my aro flag actually walked in 5! 😊

[kjones]

My first Pride was also as an ally, back in 2019. I realized I’m ace not too long after that (enby/genderfluid took another year or so), and I love going to Pride!! My city just had our parade about a week ago, and I loved every second. It always feels like the one time no one dares assume what my gender or sexuality is, and that makes me feel so free and at home. Plus, with all the queerphobia in the world right now, we need a space to be ourselves in a group without fear, just experiencing joy (especially if it pisses off queerphobes) 🖤🩶🤍💜 🏳️‍⚧️

[SchizoKitzo]

Oh man congrats on one year on T GC! And the fact you got to celebrate it at a pride event with friends is even better! To me, Pride should always be something the queer community should do, because it’s a celebration of some of the most quintessential parts of ourselves and I think that’s important. I’ve really enjoyed the pride festivals I’ve been to so far and I can’t wait to do more! I know I want to do a fun costume for next year but have no idea what that might look like.

In addition, I love how you did VO with pride festival footage! It gave us an inside look at what those festivals are like now, but also what they used to be. Throwing it back to your first pride festival where you SOMEHOW filmed it—like wow past you came in clutch—was awesome to see as that was before I even knew what pride was. And the history aspect of it all was awesome to learn!

Wonderful vid GC, keep it up!

[Jackalope_Wren]

If I remember correctly, I went to my first pride the same year as you! And I only got queerer and more outrageous as the years went on. In 2009, I was moving from my 1st to 2nd semester in college and the first pride I remember was Durham with my fellow students from the Salem LGBTQ+ group. It was a big deal then the same reason it is now: we felt safe to be ourselves alongside people who told us we were MORE than okay for being different.

I wasn’t the (relatively) fearless type I became; I spoke softly and was full of wonder. Back then, even going to Pride in the first place felt so defiant, being from the backwoods, not knowing any gay elders, feeling that my family would be upset.

I slowly learned what folks learn from sources like your channel: just being visible and honest makes a HUGE difference. I marked a lot of firsts with my extended family and with my school.

And look at us today. It’s as important as ever to show the people who judge us that we are here and we are worthy.

Perhaps it’s odd to say, but one of my favorite things to see at Pride has always been churches. When I was a young person, I nearly tore myself apart because of internalized homophobia due to the specific culture of my faith. Seeing churches at pride when all I wanted as a shy teenager was somebody to hug me and tell me that it was all okay. That it wasn’t some horrible test/curse. For somebody to reassure me that I wouldn’t be disowned.

I got my wish later, because I was brave and lucky. The folks back home are still puzzled sometimes. I hope one day someone from my family will join me, maybe one of the queer cousins who came out after I did!

Pride is important because it gives us a place to gather as well as meet and affirm strangers in a way that brings us together regardless of background.

Thanks for making such a good video and for choosing clips that flatter me bahaha good job

[AlatheD]

I've never really been able to celebrate pride, it's not a thing in my little conservative town. I started T at the beginning of the month, though. And I'm looking to move. Not to a lot more progressive area, but a bigger one, so maybe I can celebrate next year.

Congrats on the year, my dude!

[peterbradshaw]

Happy Pride GC. Congratulations on your 1 year on T.