Pride Month 2023 is here, and it looks to be a tumultuous one! But, why Pride, anyway?

So, why do we need Pride Celebrations? Why the big deal, anyway? Precisely because the emotions these celebrations solicit are so divergent and strong, that’s why. 

We need Pride celebrations precisely because some in our society feel it necessary to inappropriately force their way of life on others by denying their existence. A Pride Celebration is not one segment of community forcing its way on another any more so than Black History Month, the San Genaro Festival, St Patrick’s Day or any other celebration is forcing a way of life or belief on another people. Like those others, Pride Celebrations are simply this community’s way of being visible and reminding us of another way humanity is a myriad of differences.

And yet, really, what is it that I – a gay man, and most people no matter how you define yourself, want? Simply to live an authentic and happy life with the people whom I love around me. If we do not include each other in that circle, fine. I’ll leave you to your life and you leave me to mine. Neither of us are “throwing our sexuality in each other’s faces” when my husband and I or you and your significant other hold hands in public. We are just walking with the one we love. But that is not the way human nature seems to work.

By allowing, if not encouraging, people to live authentically, we are reducing crime, hatred, physical and mental illness, and increasing overall individual life happiness.

Just like you, my sexuality and gender identity are just parts of what makes me a whole person. Other parts of who we are include our work or career, our family, our faith or spirituality, and so much more. And just like you, I cannot separate one part of who I am from the rest of me. It permeates everything I say, I do, I experience … everything I am. It is a part of how I interact with the world around me. I no more chose to be gay than you chose your gender identity or sexuality. And, honestly, who would choose to be LGBTQ+ knowing it would mean a life of harassment, intimidation, and fear?

I believe the totality of my experiences and persona make me a better, more empathetic, and compassionate career coach. Who I am gives me, I believe, a stronger ability to understand your fears, concerns, and frustrations. My career of several job losses and layoffs gives me the common experience of needing help in finding the path forward. My hard work for promotions and advancement is like yours as is the disappointment with not getting that job. And my devotion to my craft, like your devotion to yours, gives me the knowledge and passion to be the best career coach I can be.

We need Pride Celebrations for the same reasons we celebrate or remember any other “holiday” – to ensure the people around us do not forget that we are here. That our lives are no different from yours. That in the rainbow of human differences we create a more complete, colorful, beautiful society. And, that ALL PEOPLE MUST be treated with dignity and respect no matter their difference from another.