June Is Pride Month!

As June arrives, the air buzzes with the spirit of celebration, unity, and the vibrant colors of the rainbow. Pride Month is upon us, a time to honor the progress we’ve made, acknowledge the struggles we continue to face, and celebrate the beautiful diversity within our community. This year, I find myself reflecting on my own journey and the significance of Pride in my life.

I still remember the day I came out as a lesbian to my best friend. I was sixteen, and the words felt like a weight lifted off my shoulders, though my heart raced with a mix of fear and exhilaration. My best friend’s reaction was nothing short of supportive, with his words of encouragement that were nothing short of complete and total acceptance. Ironically, later that day he told me that he wasn’t even remotely surprised by this recent revelation.

Telling my parents was a different experience altogether. My father, who was 64 when I was born, was ever the stoic figure. He rolled his eyes, waved his hand in a dismissive motion towards me, went back to the living room to watch television, lost in his own bubble of indifference. His reaction was as if I had told him I preferred vanilla ice cream over chocolate. While his reaction was not as heartwarming as I had hoped, it was not a flat-out rejection either. It was simply his way of processing the news. My mother, on the other hand, almost expecting to hear such news, was a beacon of love and support. She hugged me tightly, her eyes shining with understanding and pride. Her acceptance was reassuring me that I was loved just as I am. Later, my parents allowed me to hang a rainbow flag on my bedroom door.

These moments of coming out were pivotal, not just for my personal growth, but also for my understanding of love and acceptance. They taught me that each person’s reaction is their own, shaped by their experiences and beliefs. What matters most is staying true to oneself and finding strength in the love and support that surrounds us.

This year, I am filled with anticipation as I plan to attend The Pride Festival in Rutland, Vermont. Rutland may be a small town, but the sense of community and acceptance here is immense. It’s a time to celebrate who we are, honor those who came before us, and continue the fight for equality and acceptance.

Pride in Rutland is not just a celebration; it’s a powerful statement of resilience and love. As I prepare to join the festivities, I am reminded of the incredible journey I have been on. From the moment of my birth when doctors labeled me as intersex/female, to that sixteen-year-old girl nervously coming out to her best friend, to a confident woman ready to celebrate her identity with pride and joy.

Attending Pride is more than just participating in a parade or waving a flag. It’s about standing up and being counted, showing the world that love is love, and that we are here, proud and unafraid. It’s about creating a space where everyone can feel seen, heard, and accepted for who they are.

As we come together this June, let us remember the significance of Pride. It is a time to celebrate our individuality, our community, and the love that binds us all. It is a time to honor the progress we’ve made and to recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and acceptance for all.

To everyone celebrating Pride this month, whether in Rutland or around the world, I send you love, solidarity, and pride. Let us march forward with our heads held high, our hearts open, and our spirits unyielding. Here’s to love, acceptance, and the beautiful diversity that makes us who we are. Happy Pride Month!

—Thomas Slatin (She/Her/Hers)