Happy July! I feel like no one says happy July, so I will. Things are truly different than they were a year ago. This time, last year, we started seeing a huge resurgence in Covid-19 cases in America, specifically in Marion County. Restrictions were tighter, and we couldn’t do much. Now, a year later, we are able to go back out into the world. It’s different, though. What’s different, you may ask? US! We are all different; I’m not the same individual who entered quarantine last year.

As I am walking through my own personal journey to #DWYGD I know how hard it is but I’m so glad I have an opportunity to pause and take time to do what I have to do – for me. #DWYGD it’s your time.

Pride is one of those interesting words in the English language that has different meanings depending on when you use it. Merriam Webster lists the various definitions for Pride ranging from highest pitch to a company of lions, or even a showy or impressive group. But sometimes when people hear others talking about LGBTQ+ Pride, they think, what about straight pride? I think the reason for that is they’re confused about what PRIDE really means in this context. LGBTQ+ PRIDE isn’t about arrogance or conceit. It is not about thinking being LGBTQ+ is better than any other orientation. Pride, in this context, is the opposite of shame.