I’m straight and I went to Pride in June 2018. For some odd reason, when I tell people I went to the parade they look at me like I’m crazy because they think it’s an exclusive event for only the LGBT+ Community, which I find is a huge misconception. Attending the Pride Parade in New York City was one of the most memorable and inclusive experiences I had in 2018 because that’s what the LGBT+ Community celebrates on Pride day: Equality.
Color. Color surrounds you as an onlooker. I was right behind the barricade with a group of my friends as the floats passed by and was overcome with color. The different colors of our skin and the different colors that proudly fly off people’s flags and attire encompassed the assemblies of people in the parade and behind the barricades. I was surrounded by music, yells of encouragement for the LGBT+ Community, glitter, and my favorite: free mini pride flags from TD Bank.
The best thing that I saw during this time was the support that the community was giving to the people on the floats and behind the barricades. The barricades didn’t stop anyone from interacting with others and sharing encouragement. Even celebrities, both LGBT+ and straight, walked alongside the crowds, talked to people, and danced on floats. It was an environment full of positivity and unapologetic stories that needed to be heard.
The Pride Parade is a celebration for the LGBT+ Community and it symbolizes the community’s inclusiveness of different cultures, backgrounds, races, religions, identities and sexualities but it also symbolizes how much the community has gone through to have their voices heard. It was my first time attending the Pride Parade, and I witnessed that it is a place where people can celebrate themselves and connect with others who are similar to them.
If you choose to attend the Pride Parade, go as an ally and go with an open heart because the Pride Parade is a celebration for a community that has been silenced for so long and they just want you to listen.
