Pride is being able to loveall of me, inside and out. ... I’d rather be no one but myself. Some people see Pride as a colorful three-day weekend covered in rainbows and unconditional love. I see Pride as a beautiful safe space were LGBTQ+ people can see that who they are is enough, that they are perfect just the way they are, and that their happiness should be the happiness that matters the most. For me, Pride runs 365 days a year because my family and I feel safe enough to to wear our true colors and stand tall and know that here, we are loved by all regardless of gender identity, sexual orientation or gender expression. We are enough. Getting to walk in the parade every year is like receiving the best hug from a friend. You may not need a hug right now, but you know you have someone, or in this case hundreds of thousands of other people, who will be there for you if you ever need one. That is how I feel at Pride. Pride is a celebration of inclusivity, freedom of self-expression and equal rights for all. Pride is a blend of being unapologetic and absolutely comfortable at the same time. It’s the prize for perseverance through our fears and struggles. It’s humbling and empowering all at once. Pride is a time to celebrate love and acceptance within our chosen families, to honor the year-round work of queer activists across social justice movements, and to focus on the work ahead. Pride to me means the legacy of Revolution. Pride is a symbol of hope, hope that one day my loved one will be accepted, and safe, in all the same spaces I am. Pride, to me, is understanding, owning, being your authentic self as well as celebrating everyone else’s beautiful individuality. Pride is not boastful but humble. Pride is LOVE — of oneself and of others. Pride is reveling in seeing yourself in others and seeing others in yourself! In a world full of negativity and judgment, Pride to me illustrates a powerful movement filled with explosive love, true kindness and a close-knit community fighting for equal rights. Pride is found in the way I live my life. This means identifying the intersectionality with other communities and working towards justice. It is a celebration of dignity, love and the human spirit. However, Pride also is a call for action, meaning that we must work together for a more just society.