By Billy Hough
June 1, 2024
June 1, 2024
PRIDE (Noun)
1. A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.
There is no shame in feeling emboldened, accomplished or victorious, even if such moments occur on a battlefield when the end result is not guaranteed and there are likely more challenges ahead. We (in the LGBTQ+ communities and our allies) feel the approaching storm again. This particular moment in our country’s history is growing darker and more insidious: a removal of civil rights from people who have enjoyed and employed their legal freedom for many years.
The fight for rights is not new. Seemingly impossible freedoms have historically come to marginalized people through discussion, intellectual and cultural evolution, changing mores and at times, brute force. The long-held freedoms of women and people of color, and the newer freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community are under verbal and legislative attack. Sadly, there are likely fewer exhibits like ours this year, and some people will be more cautious about coming to them. So yes, we must celebrate our achievements, even as we know the fight is not over.
Look at the faces of the people included. Not a single person represented here had an easy walk toward these walls. And yet here they are. Here is the art they made to express the truth, their experiences. Some fought the law, some the culture. Some gave hope to those who had none. And all of them raised a middle finger to those who would limit their vision, their loves and their right to be exactly who the fuck they were. Look at them again.
2. Consciousness of one’s own dignity.
This exhibit showcases artists, activists and allies who lived with dignity at a time when the general population would deny them that. In times such as these, when we are again fighting for freedom and equality there is no bigger weapon we possess than dignity. Why? Because if you love and believe in yourself, and demand the world to do the same, you have already won. They can take away anything else, but they cannot take that from you. From us.
3. Confidence and self-respect expressed by members of a group, typically by one that has been socially marginalized
This is when we as a group find our own pride reflected in each other. When we celebrate each other. Maybe most importantly, when we defend each other’s dignity. We must protect the kids. Protect our elders. We must not hesitate to support, and, when necessary, to step in and step up to protect our family and our allies. Brace yourself, kids. This is gonna get rough. But when it does, remember the heroes in this exhibition who came before, and who stood defiantly in the light. We are here because these people fought to make the world safe and welcoming to all of us.
4. A group of lions forming a social unit
Take sustenance, inspiration and ideas from the exhibition. Then take it home with you.
This is our time. This is our turn.
1. A feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction derived from one’s own achievements.
There is no shame in feeling emboldened, accomplished or victorious, even if such moments occur on a battlefield when the end result is not guaranteed and there are likely more challenges ahead. We (in the LGBTQ+ communities and our allies) feel the approaching storm again. This particular moment in our country’s history is growing darker and more insidious: a removal of civil rights from people who have enjoyed and employed their legal freedom for many years.
The fight for rights is not new. Seemingly impossible freedoms have historically come to marginalized people through discussion, intellectual and cultural evolution, changing mores and at times, brute force. The long-held freedoms of women and people of color, and the newer freedoms of the LGBTQ+ community are under verbal and legislative attack. Sadly, there are likely fewer exhibits like ours this year, and some people will be more cautious about coming to them. So yes, we must celebrate our achievements, even as we know the fight is not over.
Look at the faces of the people included. Not a single person represented here had an easy walk toward these walls. And yet here they are. Here is the art they made to express the truth, their experiences. Some fought the law, some the culture. Some gave hope to those who had none. And all of them raised a middle finger to those who would limit their vision, their loves and their right to be exactly who the fuck they were. Look at them again.
2. Consciousness of one’s own dignity.
This exhibit showcases artists, activists and allies who lived with dignity at a time when the general population would deny them that. In times such as these, when we are again fighting for freedom and equality there is no bigger weapon we possess than dignity. Why? Because if you love and believe in yourself, and demand the world to do the same, you have already won. They can take away anything else, but they cannot take that from you. From us.
3. Confidence and self-respect expressed by members of a group, typically by one that has been socially marginalized
This is when we as a group find our own pride reflected in each other. When we celebrate each other. Maybe most importantly, when we defend each other’s dignity. We must protect the kids. Protect our elders. We must not hesitate to support, and, when necessary, to step in and step up to protect our family and our allies. Brace yourself, kids. This is gonna get rough. But when it does, remember the heroes in this exhibition who came before, and who stood defiantly in the light. We are here because these people fought to make the world safe and welcoming to all of us.
4. A group of lions forming a social unit
Take sustenance, inspiration and ideas from the exhibition. Then take it home with you.
This is our time. This is our turn.
