I’m excited to share my experiences marching in the Philadelphia Gay Pride Parade 2016, but first I need to mention Orlando. I learned of the Orlando shooting after I was already in Philadelphia, and my heart goes out to the worldwide LBGTQ+ community. To have one’s safe place invaded and trampled, let alone the violence on top of it, there’s no words. I stand with you in solidarity. And because of my love and respect for the LBGTQ+ community, I stayed and marched despite my fears.
I was invited to march in Philly’s Pride Parade by one of my closest friends, Sarah. She’s a barista at Starbucks, and Starbucks has a history of being an inclusive company.
Marching in the parade felt amazing. It took two hours and ten minutes to reach Penns Landing, but every step was exhilarating. The energy coming off of the crowd on either side of the road was intense as people shouted, “Thank you Starbucks!” and cheered for the company. We had a little girl marching with us, and parade attendees lined up on the side of the road to give her a high five as she passed them.
We were behind the Capital One float, and one of their guys was twerking. At one point he turned around and told us that one was for free, the next one would be $10.
I was tired by the time we reached Penns Landing, the end of the parade, but the beginning of the party. It was packed and high energy. I was happy to see three churches among the vendors offering their love and support to the community; that was very healing. There was also a wedding, and even though everyone didn’t attend, the brides left pastries to be shared with the community. I ate my cookie and was happy I could celebrate their day with them, even if only in some small way.
What sticks with me the most is just how many people were there, there had to be several thousand. I watched as they danced, sang, hugged, kissed, cheered, celebrating life and love. It struck me that they might not be able to be so open tomorrow, might not be able to hold their loved one’s hand out in public so freely. I always knew it, but I don’t think I actually realized it until I was there celebrating with them in Penns Landing as one of their allies. They had safety in numbers and could love out loud even if just for the moment, something I do daily and take for granted. I’ll be aware of it now when I show my spouse affection in public. Love is beautiful, and should always be celebrated. This world needs more love.
To me, nothing captured gay pride and surviving the Orlando massacre as much as Ian Morrison‘s words:
