PRIDE

Certainly, pride can be a downfall, especially if the proud berate, condemn, and degrade those they think are sinful. Of course, that is the ugly side of pride. (Each and every one of us has the potential to fall into that trap.)

However, to me, PRIDE means this:

Authenticity
Courage
Honesty
Acceptance
Freedom
Bravery
Community
Love

I'm not ashamed of who I am. If my choice is to be in a closet, cowering because of judgement from prideful people or be out and proud, I choose to be out; I choose to be me... nothing more or nothing less than who I am.

Pride is only a dirty word if it is used to harm other people. So to those who curse us, we bless you to find love, we bless you to find peace, we bless you to find the commonality of our shared humanity rather than focusing on our differences that cannot be changed.

Love is stronger than hate.
Acceptance is more powerful than condemnation.
Kind words heal what degrading words have wounded.

I'm proud of myself and I'm proud of my community for standing tall... For discarding the shame of the accusers... For being authentic in a hostile culture... For being real.

I'm also proud and thankful for the many gays and lesbians who over the years have fought for the rights of their community. We have every reason to be proud of you. Thank you!

PS I'm also very grateful for all the folks who have stood up for their friends and family members within the LGBT community. We are thankful for you, and we are proud of you, too!