Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. Source: Library of Congress

Too often our ‘commemoration’ has less to do with recognizing impact and more to do with blissful ignorance. That’s a problem for me. I am not an advocate for living in the past or litigating it. I am a believer in expanding my understanding by examining the sacrifices of others for the good of the whole.

In this case, I believe it’s important to recognize the impact of those who stood up for an entire community and said “No more! You don’t get to treat us as if we are nothing.” We recognize the impact by feeling grateful. We aspire to go further by gathering in our own self, the courage and bravery demonstrated at the Stonewall Uprising. We carry on with pride in their accomplishment and commitment. And we vow to plant love first in our own heart…and then in the heart of everyone, for everyone.

We don’t honor those who stood up for equality by being prideful in a way that demeans others.  We don’t continue the work by judging others and calling them out as ignorant and less than. We honor the path that brought us here by standing strong in love and in the courage to be who we are. And we invite all others to walk with us…side by side and shoulder to shoulder.

Love is the strongest, most powerful energy in the world. Use it. Depend on it. Let’s show the world how love wins.

With great appreciation for all who came before me.
Paula