Betsy
06-25-04, 12:45 AM
Some thoughts about Pride...
For many, the month of June has been associated with queer pride--- it means recognizing what occurred at the Stonewall, for some it's a party, and for others a moment of growth...that is, breaking out of the closet and saying to those around us, "This is who I am"
"This is who I am"
Whether it is with friends, or in front of thousands of strangers, they are strong words. People pay attention to statements like this. I saw and heard this on June 20 when I did it in front of 8000 people at the NYC Pride Rally. The difference that day is I wasn't only speaking about my own experience...I was doing it for all of us.
"This is who we are."
It worked. People there listening got an introduction to intersex pride. IS people in the audience (there were many) felt pride by having "one of us" us up there. Most who approached me afterwards were in tears because they know the damage stigma can cause.
We need to be proud of who we are, without the shame and secrecy that is so disabling to our community. If each of us could find the strength once a day to say, "Me too" we could do that. I really believe that.
People do care, and they want to see change occur but without our own community being proud, it won't happen. Let's change that....let's be proud of who we are.
For many, the month of June has been associated with queer pride--- it means recognizing what occurred at the Stonewall, for some it's a party, and for others a moment of growth...that is, breaking out of the closet and saying to those around us, "This is who I am"
"This is who I am"
Whether it is with friends, or in front of thousands of strangers, they are strong words. People pay attention to statements like this. I saw and heard this on June 20 when I did it in front of 8000 people at the NYC Pride Rally. The difference that day is I wasn't only speaking about my own experience...I was doing it for all of us.
"This is who we are."
It worked. People there listening got an introduction to intersex pride. IS people in the audience (there were many) felt pride by having "one of us" us up there. Most who approached me afterwards were in tears because they know the damage stigma can cause.
We need to be proud of who we are, without the shame and secrecy that is so disabling to our community. If each of us could find the strength once a day to say, "Me too" we could do that. I really believe that.
People do care, and they want to see change occur but without our own community being proud, it won't happen. Let's change that....let's be proud of who we are.