A large part of Pride Goes East is supporting the LGBTQ organizations within our community. This year we are working with the Hetrick-Martin Institute, fundraising and providing enrichment opportunities for their students. We asked a group of Hetrick-Martin Students "What does Pride mean to you?" and you can see their responses below.
Julian Majette
To me, Gay Pride is the celebration of gay people. It is a time of year where there is a parade for people who identify themselves within the LGBTQ community. Pride represents the whole LGBTQ youth community and it is a hype event that celebrates the diversity and existence of the LGBTQ community. It is a safe space for people to rejoice in the positive aspects of their identity without anyone telling them that being who you are is wrong.
Alyssia
Sigh. Pride means to embrace yourself and other people. On Pride we are all proud to be able to express our sexual nature. We are celebrating a sense of freedom. Pride means to unite as a community and celebrate. We are all marching for a purpose. We are all created the way we are for a purpose and on Pride we should be proud of it. Pride means love comes in many forms…embrace that!
Ashley
PRIDE
Positive Free will
Negative Fight
Heritage Abuse
Happy stereotype
Insecurity Actions
Confidence
Independence
Words
Culture
Orientation
Christyna
I feel pride is a symbolism for accepting where you come from and who you are. If people have a safe space to go somewhere they’re accepted, then they should take pride in where they are. Also, pride in a safe space can bring a person’s confidence up and encourage them to have pride in themselves.
Lance
For me Pride this year doesn’t have much of a meaning personally. I’ve been through this every year for so long that it’s just become a ritual. So, I guess it’s really about tradition. And keeping that tradition alive. It’s funny, I’m really glad I’m writing about this b/c otherwise I don’t think I would have a very good pride this year. But understanding that sense of tradition makes me a little more hopeful. Like, I’m thinking about all the friends I know that have never been to Pride or don’t know what it’s like to walk in the parade. And I think I wanna share that with people. I wanna spread that joy and ring in a day for another year of what it means to be a proud individual supporting other proud individuals. And besides, I can’t wait to take the train with my rainbow flags and all those others riding to head to church.
Julio
Pride could be a very good thing or a very bad thing. Too much Pride can be hateful and blinding. Just enough pride is beautiful and empowering. I’ve had encounters with both. Negative pride could be hearts keep beating despite the pains that literally have made it stop, many times over.
