Pride 2014 - A Day to Remember

This year has definitely been one for the record books. Having graduated from college late last year (thank you, but please hold your applause), I've opened up time slots previously unavailable in order to experience more of LA. I've been volunteering like a madman, learning more and more about the exciting events and fundraisers that surface each month. The highlight so far was attending Pride in West Hollywood with friends who had never experienced an LGBT gathering, let alone one on such a grand scale as the annual festival. It was a day of wonderful firsts, and having been trapped with our noses buried in books for the past year, they were all happily welcomed.

2014 marked my first march in the parade, alongside fellow volunteers and workers of the Los Angeles LGBT Center. The sight of so many LGBT citizens and our precious allies was inspiring. The energy that surged throughout the entire area was electric, and it was hard to feel anything but strong and empowered. We were all gathered together as one, proud and accepting of who we are as individuals. I don't believe there are words in our language adequate enough to fully describe the all-encompassing joy and peace that comes from such love and openness. Together we created our own paradise and, but for a few days, the world was a better place. It is through these gatherings of peace and prosperity that we find the strength to carry on. Through the love of others do we acknowledge the love within ourselves. Once you love yourself, and accept who you truly are deep inside, nothing can stop you.

I recommend everyone attend a Pride event at least once in their life. It is an empowering experience that encourages acceptance of both yourself and others. It embraces the beauty found in difference. The lgbt community and its allies come from all walks of life; all corners of the world. Our personalities and passions differ. Our skills and abilities take us into all manner of careers. And yet, we all come together and stand as one. It is our differences that make us who we are, and with them we all grow stronger together. It is for this reason that our community rises further toward equality each and every day, never yielding to those who would silence us. It is for this reason that I will forever be proud of who I am.