My Experience At D.C. Capital Pride | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

My Experience At D.C. Capital Pride

Don't let Pride's negative reputation fool you. There was nothing but love.

15
My Experience At D.C. Capital Pride

Saturday, June 11th marked DC Capital Pride, complete with a sizable parade and concert throughout DC. While Pride is supposed to be about coming together and embracing love, Pride has gotten a bad rep in the past for being an exclusive and non-diverse festivity.

Often, critics say Pride has the stigma that it only recognizes the "L" and "G" in LGBTQIA, that meaning that it is particularly geared towards gay men and lesbian women. A new addition, but still important and a part of the community, many feel that "A", or asexual"people. are not welcomed because Pride tends to be notoriously sexualized.

As well, many criticize Pride as being not diverse in representing different cultures and ethnicities, as it typically is known to only cater to white people. This is seen as being highly detrimental for those who are often times more discriminated against for not only being gay, but also being non-white. The most notable are often black men and women who identify on the LGBTQIA spectrum.

I want to make it clear that I can and am only speaking from my experience at DC Pride. I am no way trying to advocate or make a blanket statement about who others may have experienced Pride.

This was my first Pride going to and I have recently come out as bisexual. Being bisexual, it often feels that I am not welcomed in the community because there are harsh stigmas surrounding bi men and women.

Bi men are wrongly seen as just beating around the bush until they come out as gay and bi women are often believed to just be straight girls being curious.

Being a bisexual woman, I want to make it clear that there is a difference between identify as bisexual or bi-curious; that is why the "Q" was added, for those who are questioning their sexuality.

I digress. In the past, I felt very excluded from the community because I am not lesbian. However, after going to Pride, I felt like I was with my people. I wore my bisexual pride button, and even was delighted to see that there was a bisexual float included in the parade.

As well, I felt that there were a wide variety of different ethnicities that were included and had their own floats. There was a Black Lives Matter Float, a United Kingdom float, a Swedish float and also a few floats from various Latin American countries.

I was a little worried about going to Pride based on the negative reputation it has for being exclusive and lacking in diversity. However, I found that none of the negative talk was true.

I was able to have an amazing first Pride experience alongside other GW students who all varied in ethnicities and sexualities. There was an unspoken bond and sense of love that I am confident that every person there felt.

We are fighting for love and equality. We cannot be dragged down by others who choose to live in the negativity. Whatever you identify as, you are welcome, you are loved, and you are enough.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

11 College Misconceptions Every Incoming Freshman Needs To Know

Think of everything that you've heard about college... and completely forget it.

1243
Helen Horton and friends
Helen Horton

College is a crazy, beautiful, amazing whirlwind. It is highly popularized in television and movies, but not necessarily in the most accurate way. Yes, there's frats, dingy dorms, raging house parties—but there's also a lot that people fail to mention.

1. If you thought that you knew how to study, you're wrong.

All of your classes aren't taught every day, so professors aren't on your case constantly about reading and memorizing material. Once you get back that "questionable" first exam grade, you'll kick it into high gear and figure out what works for you

Keep Reading...Show less
woman in black turtleneck shirt smiling beside woman in black shirt

Your mom: you can't live with her, but you can't live without her. You love your mom, but she is insanely predictable. Here is a list of things your mom has probably done.

Keep Reading...Show less
Girl With Bleached Hair
Tumblr

I've been a bleach blonde for over a year now, and let me tell you, it is a lifestyle. More hair appointments, longer showers, and special shampoo. But it is totally worth it!

1. Mentally preparing yourself to convince your hair dresser that white is the way to go.

2. Or the anxiety of what could go wrong by bleaching your hair at home.

3. You could either become a ginger

4. Or a pixie

5. The face you make in the mirror when you take off your towel to unveil the perfect white strands.

6. Taking a million selfies the day you bleached it, because you know your roots will be back in literally 2 days.

7. Having to get bangs or a big chop because your hair is so damaged.

8. Having orange highlights in between touch-ups.

9. Going out for a drink afterwards to debut your updated look.

Despite the struggles, you love your platinum blonde hair! You make sure Instagram knows it, too. You don't need a filter, because the color is flawless by itself!

Entertainment

10 Things About Finals Week

As told by "Parks and Recreation" GIFs.

161
Parks and Recreation
The Playlist

Finals: just thinking about them gives you anxiety. Only two weeks separate you from summer, but they're the longest of the semester. There's a familiarity to this season, now that you have had so many testing cycles under your belt. But that doesn't quell the ever present stress to pass your finals and your classes. Even better, as a package deal during these wonderful weeks, you get to wake up early to study and you get to take exams that can begin anytime from 7 A.M. to 7 P.M. Now that we have established that this week is not fun, here are some super relatable moments that punctuate finals week.

Keep Reading...Show less
girl partying
HeyMIkeyATL

I've been at this college thing for almost three and a half years, and while I thought that high school was truly the lowest point of my existence, I'm beginning to realize that it was a walk in the park. Like, I miss the days when the biggest white lie I told my parents was my made up excuse about being late for fourth period. These days, the white lies are a tad more complex, and as ashamed as I am to admit it, I've definitely told a few of these.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments