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Pride

“Gay Pride was not born out of a need to celebrate being gay, but instead our right to exist without prosecution. So maybe instead of wondering why there isn’t a Striaght Pride month or movement, straight people should be thankful that don’t need one.”   -anonymous 
   There is so much discrimination against queer individuals, especially living in the “Bible Belt.” 4 in every 10 LGBTQ youth say they are not accepted in their environment and 92% of youth say they have experienced negativity about being LBGTQ. Being surrounded by so much hate can make you feel alone, but it is theroized that there are 9 million members of the LGBTQ community today. To me, that’s why being actively involved as part of the community and being surrounded by people who share your pride and your hardships is so important, to know you aren’t alone.
   My mom asked me once, out of genuine curiosity, why gay or bi people celebrate it so much and are so out about it. I told her that it’s the same reason I’m so open about my mental health and illness, to end a stigma, to end the bad connotation that comes with the LBGTQ community and to show that it is okay to be a part of it. Many people think that being gay, bi, trans, or whatever, has become popular, a trend. What is really happening is that we have learned we aren’t disgusting, broken people, and that comes from acceptance. This makes us PROUD of who we are instead of ashamed. Some girls are born in their bodies, others have to fight for it. Some boys can introduce their significant others to their parents, others get kicked out of the house for it. Through pride in our LGBTQ community we are the encouragement, the acceptance, the love so many don’t get for being truly them.
   A huge part of me coming to terms with my sexuality was seeing others unapologeticly being themselves. When people see others happy and being proud of who they are it shows you, you are allowed to feel that too. I didn’t choose to be straight or gay or bi, I chose to be happy. For me, seeing this huge community not only accepting, but celebrating what I was so ashamed of, made me feel validated. Love is such a terrible thing to hate, so when we show our pride, we stand together. So many people, including myself, have kept quiet for so long and now it’s time to be proud.

For the locals:
-Spartanburg Pride
Barnet Park 
November 3rd  12-7PM
-Youth LGBT Support Group + PFLAG
SCC Downtown Campus
First Thursday of every month  7-8PM

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