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Politics and Activism

To Anyone Who Can't Celebrate Pride

“Race, gender, religion, sexuality, we are all people and that's it. We're all people. We're all equal.” - Connor Franta

Sharleigh Thomson

Jun 12, 2017

Plymouth State University

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It's Pride month, folks! Rainbows are everywhere, people are holding hands, and the LGBTQ+ community has taken its rightful place in the spotlight.

Typically, Pride is a celebration of equality and love by out and proud queer individuals.

But I want to take a moment, amidst all of the festivities, to celebrate those who don't feel that Pride is inclusive, or that they belong, and also those folks who aren't in a safe enough place to celebrate Pride this year.

So, to everyone who is part of the LGBTQ+ community - welcome to Pride.

Wondering if you're included? Well...

Attracted to the same sex? Awesome! Gay and lesbian folks, surprise, pride is for you! You matter.

Pride is for all of the trans people out in the world. You are a part of Pride. You matter.

If you are still closeted, you are part of Pride. This is your month too. You are seen. You are appreciated. You matter.

Single for Pride? Never had a partner? Cool! You are part of the community. You matter too.

Bi and Pansexual people - regardless of your gender, your partner's gender, or if you're more attracted to one gender or gender presentation than another - you are pride people too. You matter.

Ace and Aro pals - guess what? That's right, join the pride party! You matter.

People who are uncomfortable with their sexuality or gender identity - that's okay! You can still join in, if you want to. You matter.

Still deciding on a label? That's okay. You don't have to pick one, and if you pick one and later it doesn't fit, you are allowed to change it. Promise. You matter.

People not accepted by your church - you matter.

People who are queer and religious - y'all are cool as heck. You matter.

LGBTQ+ compadres with disabilities, mental health struggles, and chronic illnesses - You matter!

Whatever pronouns you use or how you present - you're invited to Pride. You matter.

Intersex peeps, non-binary folks - Pride is for you. You matter.

Gender-fluid, gender-queer, gender-non-conforming? You're part of Pride too, and you matter.

People of color - you are part of Pride. There should never have been any question. You are welcome here. You matter.

Pride is about the LGBTQ+ community coming together. Pride is held in the month of June to commemorate the Stonewall riots. Pride is about the community standing up and saying "we will not be silenced." Wherever you fit in the community, you are welcome.

However you identify - you are seen.

Whether you choose to participate in Pride events or not - you are seen.

Whatever your experiences have been - you are seen.

Whether you can safely celebrate of not - you are seen.

You are appreciated. You are valid. You are worthy. You are loved. You matter.

"I know that you cannot live on hope alone, but without it, life is not worth living. And you...And you...And you...Gotta give 'em hope."
- Harvey Milk

Come as you are, do what you can. We are proud of you.

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To Anyone Who Can't Celebrate Pride

“Race, gender, religion, sexuality, we are all people and that's it. We're all people. We're all equal.” - Connor Franta

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The Best Lines from the Fab Four

And in the end, the love you take is equal to the love you make

The sun is up, the sky is blue, it's beautiful and so are you

Love is old, love is new, love is all, love is you

There's nowhere you can be that isn't where you're meant to be

Life is very short, and there's no time for fussing and fighting, my friend

He say, "I know you, you know me", One thing I can tell you is you got to be free

Oh please, say to me, You'll let me be your man. And please say to me, You'll let me hold your hand

It was twenty years ago today, Sgt. Pepper taught the band to play. They've been going in and out of style, but they're guaranteed to raise a smile

Living is easy with eyes closed, misunderstanding all you see

Can you hear me? When it rains and shine, it's just a state of mind

Little darling, it's been long cold lonely winter. Little darling, it feels like years since it' s been here. Here comes the sun, Here comes the sun, and I say it's alright

We danced through the night and we held each other tight, and before too long I fell in love with her. Now, I'll never dance with another when I saw her standing there

I love you, I love you, I love you, that's all I want to say

You say you want a revolution. Well you know, we all want to change the world

All the lonely people, where do they all come from. All the lonely people, where do they all belong

Oh, I get by with a little help from my friends

Hey Jude, don't make it bad. Take a sad song and make it better

Yesterday, all my troubles seemed so far away. Now it looks as though they're here to stay. Oh, I believe in yesterday

And when the brokenhearted people, living in the world agree, there will be an answer, let it be.

And anytime you feel the pain, Hey Jude, refrain. Don't carry the world upon your shoulders

I'll give you all I got to give if you say you'll love me too. I may not have a lot to give but what I got I'll give to you. I don't care too much for money. Money can't buy me love

All you need is love, love is all you need

Whisper words of wisdom, let it be

Blackbird singing in the dead of night, Take these broken wings and learn to fly. All your life, You were only waiting for this moment to arise

Though I know I'll never lose affection, for people and things that went before. I know I'll often stop and think about them. In my life, I love you more

Obviously the best superpower.

There have been many lessons learned.

1. The importance of traditions.

2. How to be thankful for family and friends.

3. How to give back.

4. What the word "community" really means.

5. That it isn't about the destination, but the journey.

6. The consequences of making bad choices.

7. To trust people, until you have a reason not to.

8. To be welcoming and accepting of everyone.

9. How to be my own, individual person.

10. How to work for what I want.

11. How to be great at giving directions.

12. How to be humble.

13. To be well-rounded.

14. How to be great at conflict resolution.

15. The beauty of getting outside and exploring.

16. To be prepared for anything.

17. That you don't always have to do it alone.

18. How to be creative.

19. To brush off gossip.

I have never been so thankful to know you.

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

Don't freak out

Email the professor

Attend the first class

Keep attending class

Have a backup plan

Remember that everything works out at the end

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