June is National Gay Pride month, and all around the world, members of the LGBTQIA+ community are showing their pride at parades. "Pride" was a term coined for gay communities in 1970 who brought attention to and supported the Stonewall Riot of 1969. The Stonewall Riot of 1969 was a demonstration against a police raid in Manhattan.

Pride parades are supposed to be a celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. It is so hard to be someone who doesn't identify as straight in society today. So many people struggle with being open with their sexuality and proud of who they are. Pride is about being PROUD. It is to let the world know that we are not afraid of oppression and that we will stand strong in the face of opposition.

However, I have seen a lot of people who identify as straight using Pride as an excuse to party. Yes, pride is a celebration. And, yes, I love that the LGBTQIA+ community has allies. But, straight people who go to pride "just because it sounds fun" are completely missing the point. There should be no reason that someone should pick and choose which parts of a community they want to be a part of. There are so many ways to support the community besides pride, and if someone really cared about the LGBTQIA+ community and not partying, they would support in more ways than just pride.

I never want my intentions to be misconstrued and I do not want to come off as exclusive at all. The LGBTQIA+ community is an extremely inclusive and welcoming community. But, pride is first and foremost for members of the community. Without the gay community in the 1970s, pride would not exist.

If you are someone who identifies as straight, I urge you to support your friends who identify as LGBTQIA+ and celebrate WITH them. However, don't make it about yourself!

For those who live in the Philadelphia area like me, Pride is June 9th!