In my younger years, the LGBTQ community wasn't widely accepted yet, and many people hid "in the closet" about their sexuality because they felt too ashamed and uncomfortable to come out. One day, when I was in the fourth grade, I was finally told by my family that my oldest sister was a lesbian. Even at such a young age, I didn't view her as being anything else but my older sister, regardless of her sexuality. When she and I finally talked about it, she told me that I didn't have to tell anyone or talk to anybody about it in case I got embarrassed. I remember just looking at her and saying, "You're my sister. I'm not embarrassed at all. If someone doesn't want to be my friend because I support you, then I have no desire to be their friend anyway."
Today, New York City held their annual Pride Parade, which marched down Fifth Avenue. Since I'm living in the city this summer, I took advantage of the exciting opportunity to attend such a spirited event. The parade was in full swing, with people dressed up in all sorts of outfits, holding flags and posters -- cheering on all of the people and organizations participating in the march. It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen; thousands upon thousands of strangers were all cheering and supporting one another, embracing who they truly are. Everyone had the biggest smiles on their faces, because the surrounding atmosphere was so euphoric.
I didn't know what to expect from the parade, but I definitely didn't anticipate how emotional it would be. The parade served as a platform, not only to support people embracing their sexuality, but also to remember those who lost their lives in Orlando and in other places due to hate crimes. You could tell there were so many people who finally felt like they weren't out of place and could be accepted and embraced for their sexuality and gender.
The whole crowed was unified as one, everyone supporting those who are brave enough to be different and serving as a voice for those who are still struggling. For once, it seemed like all of the violence and hatred had been put to a halt, and everyone remembered the importance of love and freedom.
It was so precious watching the older people in the parade flaunt their sexuality, especially because, during the time they grew up in, being different was highly disgraced -- African Americans and women didn't even have equal voting rights at that time! Transgender people and drag queens wore the coolest and most creative costumes while strutting their stuff down Fifth Ave, shouting and waving at people simultaneously. Same-gender couples, both male and female, marched proudly in the parade with their partners' hands intertwined in their own.
Although I attended the event in support of my sister being a lesbian and all of the hardships that she's faced with her sexuality, I realized after the event that I attended for myself, too. Not only was I supporting her, but I also was supporting my other friends and my peers in their quest to embrace who they truly are, rather than hide their sexuality. It's a beautiful thing to be passionate about a topic that is so meaningful to millions of people while taking part in a parade that's expected to be the largest Pride Parade in history. Attending NYC Pride Parade 2016 has restored my faith in humanity and makes me truly believe that love, acceptance and peace will always prevail over hatred and ignorance.
