Every Queer Person Should Go to Pride

The 14-year-old inside of me was screaming with joy for being able to finally experience Pride.  

My older sister and I went to Jersey Pride which consisted of a parade, festival and rally. Jersey Pride was held in Asbury Park, NJ by Asbury Park Beach which we sadly forgot to explore after all the fun. We only went to the parade and festival as I was not interested in the long line for the rally.  

Due to my sister putting the wrong address into Waze, we ended up arriving at the parade about 30 minutes before it ended. I didn’t mind since I was just excited to be going and felt lucky to experience Pride with my supportive sister by my side.  

The parade was a beautiful celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Everyone from the participants in the parade to the attendants were cheering and smiling. The pure joy on people’s faces felt inviting and comforting to me. My heart felt so full to be around other people in my community who were simply enjoying each other’s presence.  

There were many companies and organizations dedicated to helping the queer community in the parade. Along with other companies and brands advertising with Pride-themed objects. Several participants were handing out free pride flags, beaded necklaces and more.  

Once the parade ended, we headed to the festival which was a few blocks over. The festival had a food court with trucks that offered a variety of foods, we had to check out that area first. After eating, we explored the area with vendors and companies giving away more free pride souvenirs.    

My sister and I had a blast collecting pride souvenirs. Growing up, I didn’t feel comfortable having any items related to the LGBTQIA+ community at home because it would’ve been an issue. Finally being able to collect items that reflect who I am felt liberating. I also felt appreciative of my sister for being more eager than I to collect pride memorabilia. She bought me two pride rings that I wear regularly that remind me of her and our experience together.

She couldn’t stop commenting on the positive attitudes all around. As if, her younger queer sibling isn’t the nicest person she’s ever had the pleasure of knowing. Anyway, I’m glad she enjoyed herself and wants to attend more pride events in the future. 

The festival had many organizations that were working towards political change for the LGBTQIA+ community. Other tables provided information on job opportunities, housing options, support for victims of domestic violence and so much more. It was beautiful to see that several organizations and companies truly care about the queer community.  

There was another area at the festival with performers on stage for people to sit and watch. There was also an art gallery of quilts honoring members of the community and historical events. 

It was refreshing to witness queer existence openly in a large quantity of all ages. I see a lot of my community on social media but being with them in person was an entirely different experience. Pride felt safe from judgment and ridicule. Being raised in a religious family with individuals who are unsupportive of the LGBTQIA+ community, Pride reminded me that I was not alone nor is my existence unnatural.  

I bonded with a few people on their outfit choices and other pride celebrations. I complimented an individual wearing some insanely cool Monster High platform shoes who in return complimented my pansexual pride flag makeup. Another person started up a conversation about other Pride celebrations they attended and recommended other events for us to visit. 

If able and safe, I believe every queer person should go to a pride celebration of some kind. Pride was such a meaningful and important experience to me. I hope other queer people get to experience all the positivity, joy and love as I did.  

On top of my Pride experience, I learned that my aunt changed her opinion on the LGBTQIA+ community because of me. It still blows my mind and gets me teary-eyed to think about. It means so much to me and I wish this could happen with my parents, but I know it won’t.  

I share this to say that there are people out in the world who will love you enough to accept you. They may not be the people you expected or hoped for, but they exist. You deserve people who love you enough to change their closed-minded idea of love because they want to be a part of your life.  

If you’re interested in an LGBTQIA+ organization on campus for people of color, please email me at zsbrown@usca.edu.