Illustration via Erin Aniker

Happy Pride, Love… Liberation stands as the focal point of Pride, prompting reflection and envisioning amidst the world's ongoing struggles. Amidst these challenges, I find it crucial to carve out space for dreaming and nurturing hope in each other. My journey through queer expression and activism has been profoundly shaped by the voices of pioneers like Marsha P. “Pay It No Mind” Johnson, Cecilia Gentili, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie. Their legacies, along with the enduring efforts of contemporary leaders like Erica Woodland, Moses Moon, and Cara Page, underscore the significance of Pride as a time for remembrance, celebration, and community building toward liberation.

This emphasis on freedom has deepened my understanding of queer identity. Raised in the Midwest (then moving all over the place) within a family of varying acceptance and then living on my own, I grappled with fear around my identity until my early twenties. However, exposure to queer culture through the lens of liberation and healing transformed my perspective. I came to see queerness not merely as a personal label but as a tribute to our predecessors and a testament to resilience.

Queerness, at its core, embodies the freedom to be authentic despite societal pressures. It celebrates uniqueness, sexuality, and our interconnectedness. Recognizing queerness as a multifaceted concept is essential for the comprehensive liberation of individuals within our society. Though pain and oppression persist, our resilience and capacity for healing endure.

Pride entails solidarity, community engagement, and political action. It thrives on the fluidity and openness we afford it, often necessitating assertive resistance against oppressive systems. As Sylvia Rivera aptly stated, visibility and unapologetic self-affirmation are crucial. Stating, "We have to be visible. We should not be ashamed of who we are. We have to show the world that we are numerous. There are many of us out there."

By embracing the legacy of Trans BIPOC-led activism, we honor the ongoing struggle for liberation and justice. Let us uphold their work by living authentically, fostering community, and demanding the respect and freedom we all deserve.

I want to leave you with the sentiment that Pride holds diverse meanings for each of us and continues to evolve over time. I encourage you to explore what it means to you and to actively contribute to the collective narrative of our community. Take the opportunity to support local events and grassroots organizations that resonate with you.

In Portland (our home town), some upcoming events and opportunities for connection include:

1. Stronger Together: Skatepark Fundraiser

2. Afrocentric Futuristic Diaspora: Black Pride Kickback

3. Queer AANHPI Yoga