A PRIDE MONTH REFLECTION

By Jack McAtee, Original Crisis Café Young Advisory Board Member

As Pride Month comes to a close, I’ve found myself thinking about a lot of people.

I’m thinking of the elders who still remember Stonewall, the AIDS crisis, the first Pride parades, the marches, the jeers, the insults, and the communities they built through struggle and resilience.

I’m thinking of the trans women who still have to strategically plan something as simple as using a public bathroom. I’m thinking of the lesbians who are told they just need to meet the “right man.” I’m thinking of the young person with a bag packed in case their family finds out who they are. I’m thinking of the bisexual people who are told to “pick a side.”

I’m thinking of all the beautiful souls we’ve lost to hatred, violence, fear, and depression. I’m thinking of those who feel exhausted from fighting, and those who carry regrets from a time when shame stopped them from living openly and authentically.

I’m thinking of the people around the world who still risk their safety, freedom, and even their lives simply by being themselves.

But I’m also thinking of joy.

I’m thinking of the young person who finally bought their first binder after saving for months. I’m thinking of the trans girl who excitedly ordered the outfit she’s always wanted. I’m thinking of the teenager going to their first Pride event with their girlfriend. I’m thinking of the friend celebrating his first Pride Month as a man. I’m thinking of the older woman handing out free hugs at her local Pride parade.

I’m thinking of all the moments that make up our stories.

The fourteen-year-old who realised they liked girls.

The seventeen-year-old who came out as trans to their closest friends.

The nineteen-year-old whose flatmates insisted on putting a Pride flag in the kitchen window.

The twenty-two-year-old who added their pronouns to their email signature without a second thought.

The person who, despite growing up somewhere that made these conversations difficult, is proud of who they are.

Most of all, I’m thinking of my brothers, sisters, and siblings across the LGBTQ+ community, whether they are still with us or not.

Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a reminder of where we’ve come from, the progress we’ve made, and the work that still lies ahead.

Happy Pride Month, everyone.

🏳️‍🌈

Jack McAtee is an original member of the Crisis Café Young Advisory Board and has been involved in helping shape youth led initiatives that promote inclusion, wellbeing, and community in Newry and beyond.