June 2024
Attending my first pride festival in Rutland, Vermont, was an experience steeped in vibrant energy and a profound sense of belonging. As I walked through the lively streets adorned with rainbow flags, I was enveloped in a celebration of diverse individuals, each celebrating their authentic selves with unrestrained joy. The air buzzed with the harmonious blend of laughter, music, and heartfelt conversations, a stark contrast to the often isolating journey of understanding my intersex identity. Surrounded by a supportive and accepting community, I felt an overwhelming surge of pride and solidarity, realizing I had never felt so accepted for being an intersex lesbian. The festival was not just a celebration but a powerful affirmation of my identity, reinforcing the importance of visibility, acceptance, and love in our society.
These are really stunning photos! Amazing these are just with your iPhone. Too bad it was raining, because you could’ve used the Leica!
Next year I’m planning to wear a Lesbian Pride Flag as a superhero cape and take a lot of pictures with my Leica. This was my very first Pride event and I had a fantastic time. I love you so much!
Looks like an amazing time!!
I had a fantastic time and had the opportunity to meet so many people. I’ll be returning in the coming months for all-inclusive networking events! If you ever have the opportunity to attend Pride as a Straight Ally, I highly recommend it!
You’ve written with such strength and confidence about your journey that I was surprised this was your first Pride festival. I may have misunderstood though, but if this not your first but your first in Rutland I’m still glad it was a great experience for you. It’s nice to see that the rain didn’t dampen anyone’s spirits.
Allow me to clarify. I came out as a lesbian to everyone I knew at 16, shortly after doctors confirmed that I was born intersex. Although I am naturally female in every other aspect and have lived my entire life as a female, having been assigned female at birth, I was born with ambiguous genitalia that appears mostly male. During my first year of college, a Pride Festival was planned and permitted on campus, and I attended eagerly. Unfortunately, the conservative university administration shut it down within the first five minutes. Consequently, the Pride Festival in Rutland was the first full Pride event I experienced in my life.