As I am writing this article, Capital Pride in Washington, DC is just beginning to commence. Another year of parties, glitter-filled parades, drag queen competitions, fabulousness, and I am beyond excited to attend again. This weekend has been talked up for weeks on radio shows and Facebook. Everyone is creating numerous social media events in order to see who is going so that they can meet up. I have seen four different events on my Facebook feed for the parade alone. All of this talk has lead up to this one weekend and I cannot be more excited. I have been scrambling to find the right outfit to wear to the festival on Sunday and debating the real questions: Hair chalk or no hair chalk?, Rainbow fanny pack, yes or no? and How much glitter is too much glitter?

Last year was my first Pride, I had never had much of a plan to go before, but last year I was free and my mom said she would go with me. I wasn't sure what it would be like and I definitely didn't want to go on my own so I was glad she could go with me. Even though I went with my mom, there was never any reason to feel unsafe at Pride, everyone there was looking out for each other. Once we got there I realized everyone at pride is a part of a large inviting community of strong, caring people who have each others backs.

The pride festival was the day after the Orlando incident where 49 people where killed in a gay bar and many other wounded. This incident shook the LGBTQ+ community hard but we stayed strong and we showed our sense of community, especially at Pride. My mom said that, "as soon as we walked through the rainbow balloon arches, I felt like we were surrounded by love. It was bubble where there was no place for hate." This community continues to fight for rights in a peaceful manner that would make Gandhi proud.

My mom and I look forward to another Capital Pride full of love for all people and the amazing sense of community.