Last weekend I attended NYC’s annual Pride Parade for the second time. Of course it was super hot and tiring, but it’s such a wonderful thing to see so many people and businesses supporting the LGBTQ+ community. I am a PROUD AF ally and I was so happy to be there with my best friend. The streets of Manhattan were filled with rainbow balloons, colorful storefronts, and a ton of glitter. We watched the parade for a few hours and then attempted to hit up one of the gay bars in the area, but obviously they were all super packed.
Overall, the best part of the day was just seeing how much fun everyone was having and how comfortable everyone felt being themselves. Whether you wanted to show up with a rainbow painted across your face, wearing leather chaps, or completely topless, it was a welcoming environment. Not only did I see men, women, and non-gender conforming people proudly showing off who they are, but I also saw parents teaching there kids to be loving and accepting. The streets overflowed with body positivity as well. You couldn’t go a block without seeing a sign that said “You are beautiful” or “You are loved.”
As an ally it is important to remember to always be supportive, but at the same time remember that it’s not about you. I had a lot of fun wearing a rainbow makeup look and a rainbow lei all day, but at the same time you have to take the time to understand what your LGBTQ+ loved ones have went through and are still going through. As much as society is becoming more accepting, we still have so much work to do. And for my friends reading this who are apart of the LGBTQ+ community I hope you know that you are loved, you are beautiful, and I am SO proud of you for being YOU because honey, I know that shit can be hard sometimes. Love you all!
Have you ever attended the NYC Pride Parade?
