This past Friday, I got to go to my first Pride Parade and my first Pride Festival. I was very honored and very blessed to go. I saw so many people who were there to celebrate who they are. It was amazing and so heartwarming. I wanted to share what I learned at my first Pride.

Body Shaming:

When I was watching the parade, there were some people who wore skimpy clothing. But they were making a statement to the people. They were telling everyone that it is not right to body shame. Whether you are gay or straight, it is never okay to body shame a person or what they wear. You should be able to wear whatever you want. You should be able to walk out of your house feeling good about yourself. If someone is tearing you down because you look a certain way is very unfair. You should be happy with your clothes and how you wear them. You can look however you want. You should be comfortable in your own skin.

Happiness:

Honestly, I deal with a lot of depression and anxiety. I worry so much and sometimes that makes me feel really low. But when I looked around the whole parade and festival all I could see was happiness. I have never seen so many happy people in my life. There were so many smiles, laughs and hugs. This community has so much hope and happiness. It was amazing to see that. It was amazing to be a part of that.

Love:

When my friends and I got into the festival the only feeling that took over my body was Love. Everywhere you looked, there were couples holding hands, laughing together, kissing and talking to one another. I have never seen so much love in my life. I saw all kinds of love on Friday. It was so heartwarming to me. You could honestly see how much this parade and festival meant to people.

Support:

When you watch the parade, you learn a lot about support systems. You learn how support systems help just one whole community. The LGBT community should feel blessed for all the support these local stores, churches, restaurants and hospitals offering them rights. I want all of them to know that I support them no matter what.

Acceptance:

I learned a lot about acceptance. I gained so much respect for the LGBT community. I have many friends who are gay and I love them so much. Just because someone is a part of the LGBT community doesn’t mean they are less of a human being. They are still human. They were just born differently and to me, that is totally okay. I believe that people who are born differently are the best people to have in this world. They are going to do big and great things in this world. They deserve all the rights a regular human being gets. Forget about the sexuality they are. There is still a human being standing in front of you.

I am an Ally. I am not gay, lesbian, bisexual, transgender, pansexual, intersexual, or asexual. I just support that everyone should have equal rights. I have a boyfriend who I love very much. But I will always support the LGBT community. I think every human being should have their rights, especially equal rights. I believe women should have equal rights as well.

I really appreciate my friends who took me to my first Pride. I appreciate everyone who helped out for this community. I will always help in any possible way for this community. I support everyone and their rights. Everyone is human in every way. I love you and the whole LGBT community. You are such wonderful people and I was so honored to celebrate Pride with all of you.