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𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄- 1. a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one's own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated, or from qualities or possessions that are widely admired. 2. consciousness of one's own dignity 3. be especially proud of 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 month is necessary because it brings awareness, a sense of community, and 𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪. It took me years to feel 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 in my sexuality and I’ll always be vocal and outspoken about it because I know what it’s like to try to hide, to “fit in”, to want to be accepted authentically, to be condemned by the church. I wear my 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 as a badge of honor so that I can potentially give hope to someone else who’s trying to step into theirs. Because of my own 𝐏𝐑𝐈𝐃𝐄 I’m able to absorb a lot, but I understand that everyone’s capacity is different.

As the lgbtq+ community becomes more visible, the hate gets louder. Truthfully, this year, I’m tired. I’m tired for the collective, not just myself. I’ll write my “tired points” in 1st person centering myself but holding space for those that identify with it but can’t step into those emotions physically, mentally or publicly.

Tired of ducking & dodging comments like they’re ammunition and I’m in battle.

Tired of trying to prove the validity of my relationship and ward off the hateful and judgmental glances and remarks.

No one is trying to push an agenda, indoctrinate your children, or attack your religion. Queer people are quite literally just trying to fucking survive. And if you’re Queer + BIPOC + woman + not able bodied + neurodivergent + poor or any combination of those it’s often that much harder.

Tired of the condemnation from groups of people that are supposed to spread love and acceptance.

If you and your beliefs feel like they’re under attack imagine how TF we feel when we’re just trying to live our lives, the same as everyone else, all the while having to sift through comments of peers that devalue our family, our relationships and our love. For some queer folx, they are literally attacked, beaten, sexually assaulted and sometimes killed because the belief of their attacker is that the way they live their life is wrong. My soul is my own to save. If you’re concerned, pray for me. If you want to make a difference or understand why people are stepping away from religion, practice what you preach.

Tired of making strides forward to feel like I’m constantly being pushed back. Why is my existence is that much of a threat to your own beliefs?

People complain about the 𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 and conversation of nuances related to the queer community in media and TV, they say it’s being forced upon them. But we exist IN REAL LIFE, it’s nice for us to see people like us, like our families represented in all spaces.

•••••𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 is important because it can be the difference between life and death. ••••••••••𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 is important because it empowers people to be their most authentic self and fosters self love. •••••••••••••••𝕧𝕚𝕤𝕚𝕓𝕚𝕝𝕚𝕥𝕪 is important because it literally shows people they are not alone and fosters affirmation of self.

People say to stop sexualizing children’s movies and shows by showing queer people or families like mine but they’re perfectly ok with heterosexual love represented in those same movies.

People say the 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒷𝑜𝓌 has been hijacked by gay people but a 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒷𝑜𝓌 often represents hope, I.e the calm after the storm, 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒷𝑜𝓌 baby after miscarriage, etc. A 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒷𝑜𝓌 by definition is an arch of colors formed in the sky in certain circumstances, caused by the refraction and dispersion of the sun's light by rain or other water droplets in the atmosphere. As a queer person the 𝓇𝒶𝒾𝓃𝒷𝑜𝓌 to me symbolizes diversity within our community, beauty, and the hope for love and acceptance.

Let me make it clear, I’m incredibly grateful for amazing friends and a supportive family and this year I’ve been very cognizant as to where people stand. This year has been about protecting my peace and deterring any negative energy. We can have a difference in opinion, but just know I fought internal battles to be the person I am today, I’m protective of my family and community, and any attempt to subject that negative energy this way will be returned to sender! I’m also filtering out what gets consumed online and you might find yourself deleted (or you can save me the time) because ya girl is tired.

Queer folx: check in! How you feeling? Inbox is open if you need it!

With love,

Jessie