Happy Pride,
Everyone!
Hello,
My name is John Steen.
I am a Certified Energy Healing Practitioner.
As we know,
Pride Month is a worldwide annual celebration dedicated to honoring our vibrant LGBTQ plus communities' history,
Achievements,
And our ongoing fight for equality.
Typically taking place in June,
Pride involves various events such as parades,
Marches,
Workshops,
Parties,
Drag shows,
And of course,
Brunch.
But there is no one way to celebrate Pride.
Pride resides in your heart and your mind and can be very personal.
As most of us may know,
Pride originated from the Stonewall Riots spanning several days from June 28,
1969.
Pivotal protests for gay liberation sparked by a police raid at the Stonewall Inn at Gay Bar in Lower Manhattan,
New York City.
Activists such as Marsha P.
Johnson,
Sylvia Rivera,
And Stormé DeLavarie are credited with instigating the riots,
Though Johnson herself contested her role.
In the year following the riots,
The inaugural parade marches took place in multiple cities across the United States.
The New York City march,
Known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day,
Along with simultaneous marches nationwide,
Is widely regarded as a pivotal movement in the fight for our LGBT rights and freedom.
Fred Sargent,
Who was one of the organizers of the initial marches,
Explained that their aim was to honor the Stonewall Riots and advocate for liberation.
He emphasized that while these early marches leaned more towards protest than celebration,
They served as a vital reminder of the presence of LGBT communities,
Including family and friends.
However,
It's important to acknowledge that transgender women and people of color were often marginalized or silenced during these early events,
Despite their significant presence during the initial riots.
And now,
Pride is more important than ever.
Here we are yet again,
In the year 2024,
And our community is being deliberately targeted and we are being used as political pawns to sow division amongst the collective.
Our LGBT community has been under constant attack worldwide,
Specifically targeting our drag queens and our trans brothers and sisters.
It's an important reminder to stay vigilant,
Stay strong,
Stay proud,
And stay safe.
Let us also remember there are still many of our LGBTQ brothers and sisters around the world where it's illegal to be LGBTQ.
May we keep them in our hearts and minds and work together for our collective liberation.
Our work continues.
I created some Pride Month affirmations for you to use not just during Pride Month,
But all year long.
Pride lives on in our hearts and our minds and can never be taken from us.
I hope these affirmations inspire you in various ways.
Meditate with them,
Journal with them,
Dance with them,
Sing them,
Preach them,
Share them,
But most importantly,
Remember them.
I hope you can firmly embed these affirmations into your mind for those times when life feels overwhelming,
Allowing them to naturally come to you when you need them most.
That's what has happened for me with affirmations.
It's about training our minds as best we can.
I am proud of who I am and who I love.
I embrace my uniqueness and celebrate my identity.
I deserve love,
Respect,
And acceptance just as I am.
I am part of a vibrant and resilient community.
We honor those who came before us and paved the way for LGBTQ plus rights.
We are worthy of equality and dignity in all aspects of life.
I stand tall in my authenticity and live my truth proudly.
We contribute to a world that values diversity and inclusivity.
I am empowered to create positive change and advocate for the rights of others.
I am empowered to create positive change and advocate for equality.
I celebrate love in all its forms and expressions.
I am deserving of love and acceptance,
Both from myself and from others.
I embrace my journey of self-discovery and self-expression.
We honor the beauty of diversity within the LGBTQ plus community.
I am grateful for the support and allyship of friends,
Families,
And allies.
I acknowledge and celebrate the intersections of my identity.
I am resilient in the face of adversity and discrimination.
We are a beacon of hope and pride for future generations.
I celebrate the freedom to love and express myself authentically.
We are part of a global movement towards equality and justice.
I radiate love,
Positivity,
And acceptance wherever I go.
I use my charisma,
Uniqueness,
Nerve,
And talents in every way possible.
Stay safe and spread love.
Happy Pride,
Everyone.
And yes,
Trans is beautiful.
Thank you.
