What is Pride?

Pride is one of those interesting words in the English language that has different meanings depending on when you use it. Merriam Webster lists the various definitions for Pride ranging from highest pitch to a company of lions, or even a showy or impressive group. But sometimes when people hear others talking about LGBTQ+ Pride, they think, what about straight pride? I think the reason for that is they’re confused about what PRIDE really means in this context. LGBTQ+ PRIDE isn’t about arrogance or conceit. It is not about thinking being LGBTQ+ is better than any other orientation. Pride, in this context, is the opposite of shame.

You see, for as long as history can remember, the powers-that-be have tried to relegate the LGBTQ+ community into the shadows. They’ve tried to convince us that who we are is shameful. LGBTQ+ PRIDE is about rejecting that notion and owning our identity, unashamed; Proud.

And when you are unashamed of who you are, when you are PROUD to be you, you are free, perhaps even free enough to be that showy or impressive group that Merriam Webster spoke about.