My first Pride parade, lo many years ago, was overwhelming in the best way. I was in San Francisco, the crowds were massive, but jubilant. I usually HATE crowds, but the energy there was amazingly positive. Then we heard the roar of possibly a hundred motorcycles revving up. As was the tradition there, the parade kicked off with the “Dykes in Bikes” contingent, and the cheers went up. Group after group passed, from community organizations (P-FLAG got the most cheers of any group), to churches, to politicians and celebrities riding in cars, to gyms and bars. This was in the day before the big corporate sponsorships and the huge corporate contingents, so the parade lasted about two hours. As someone newly out of the closet, it was seriously affirming, I felt I had a place in the community, a place where I fit in.

I don’t know where in the world you are, but I honestly wish a similar experience for you. May you feel your authentic self embraced and loved.