Pride is a protest. Pride is a celebration. Pride is important.

It wasn't always easy to be who your authentic self. It wasn't always easy to love who you wanted to love. And it some ways and some places, it still isn't.

It wasn't that long ago that being gay was illegal. Being who you wanted to be was dangerous. It has been hard and it has not been an easy road.

I am so thankful that we are able to have a massive Pride Parade and I, and anyone who wants to, can walk in it as themselves with the people that they want to be with.

I don't understand why people can let others be happy? It benefits us all when we live in a society that brings people up instead of tearing them down. What would the world be like if people who were hiding their true self would have been able to shine? Or, in the worse cases, allowed to just be alive?

We can't change the past but we can still march together to make sure that no one else is left behind. So don't stop. Be proud and be yourself. You deserve it. And remember that you are blessed and loved by God.

Happy Pride!

Peace and love,

Michelle