Why do we Pride? — June 24, 2022

By Jeff Eberhard, MSW, LSCW, Mental Health Program Manager

I struggled with my own coming out for many years, mostly related to my own internal fears about what that would mean for the life that I thought I was supposed to be living.  In the years since, I have found my own acceptance for this aspect of my identity as a gay man.  I have also found a loving and accepting community of people who celebrate with me and who provide encouragement and support when needed.

I recognize that I had many opportunities that allowed for me to feel safe enough to share my coming out with family, friends, and loved ones.  However, not everyone has the same sense of community and safety to be and to live their authentic selves.  Pride is a reminder that we have plenty of reasons to celebrate our identities and to celebrate the accomplishments of the LGBTQ+ community.  However, Pride is also a reminder that the gains and the advancements have been achieved through the struggle and the pain of those before us. 

Knowing and remembering our history adds an additional layer to Pride in 2022.  Knowing and remembering the struggles of the queer community at Stonewall and San Francisco and in innumerable cities and communities around the world is also a call to action.  Pride started as a riot, and Pride should also be an acknowledgement that we still have work to do.  Our siblings are still fighting for autonomy over their own bodies. Our trans siblings are still fighting for basic human rights. Our siblings of color are still facing the realities of racist attacks.  Our fight is not done. The call to Pride is a call to Action!