Sure doesn't feel like 🏳️🌈Pride Month🏳️🌈 but we're going to go for it and post a rant anyways.
Just a heads up that being LGBTQ+ is about WHO YOU ARE and not WHO YOU LOVE. That's literally why trans people are queer, why aces are queer, why aros are queer, and so on regardless of anything else. You can be "passing" and still be an integral and vital part of the gay community. Taking on the LGBTQ+ label is not inherent from any action that you perform (or even the way others treat you) but a statement about who you are as a person and how you define your own experiences. Taking the "who you love" shortcut is a dangerous misconception designed to alienate and exclude whole sections of the community, and also is flat-out incorrect. No gatekeeping allowed.
And that also means that if you're stuck in quarantine right now and are single, can't safely be out where you are, haven't been to brunch in ages, and all the events have been cancelled: you're still queer! You're still allowed to be proud! It is still Pride Month even if there isn't a parade and you should definitely do something (if you can do so safely) to celebrate and reaffirm your identity and your personal growth. Having said that though, if you are unable to celebrate or don't want to for any reason, that is totally valid and no one can tell you otherwise. A lot is going on in the world and it is okay to take a break, whatever that means to you.
Also not-so-friendly reminder that the original Pride was a riot led by trans women of color. Put some of that energy towards supporting those currently fighting for racial justice, because that fight is not over yet and you owe past riots for your rights today. #blacklivesmatter
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