PRIDE: Celebrating My Truth
As Pride Month comes to a close, I just want to reflect on what this month means to me.
I always look forward to Pride Month, ever since I got to experience it firsthand the Summer before my freshman year of college. My first Pride was with my ex-girlfriend. We wore matching “Hers” T-Shirts with arrows pointing at each other and participated in the Pride March in Fort Wayne. Holding hands so publicly, engaging in PDA without fear, and just being able to celebrate my queerness was powerful for me. I didn’t want the feeling of empowerment to end.
Fast forward to last year when I heard rumblings of the first Black Pride in Fort Wayne. I searched, Googled, and scrolled through social media to find the details. Once I found the Fort Wayne Black Pride Facebook page and saw the agenda posted, I knew immediately I was going to attend as many events as possible. Black Pride Fest in Kettler Park was incredible! Seeing so many Queer Black and Brown people celebrating together and cherishing a fest just for us brought tears to my eyes. It reminded me of all the times I contemplated my existence and if I was wrong for being myself. Black Pride was confirmation that God protected my younger self to make sure I would live to see this day. And I’m so glad I did.
This year, Pride Month of 2024, I hit the ground running. I worked tirelessly on getting materials for my brand, Queer Black Girl Poet, created and shipped for events I had later in the month. I used my voice to combat homophobia and pure ignorance on social media. I shared gay art, poetry, activism, and celebrations all over my stories and social feeds. I was also blessed with a few opportunities to educate Black youth on Queer identity and history in a way that was age-appropriate and comprehensive.
Later in the month, I participated in a poetry reading at Hyde Brothers Booksellers. Giving the audience a taste of my queerness and life journey. Many were moved to tears and felt inspired by my raw honesty. I was just as moved by them listening to my pain and allowing it to transform them.
Next, I set up shop at a local vendors fair, Southside Love Link-Up, to sell my books and promote my budding brand. Many people were glad I was speaking so openly about being a sexual assault survivor and many connections were made. I got the chance to speak to some high school cheerleaders about sexual assault and its effects. Many of them were unaware of sexual assault occurring in Queer spaces as well so I made sure to cover all my bases. I encouraged them to be safe and unashamed if they ever experienced this trauma. Each of them has my contact info and while I hope they are never sexually assaulted or violated, I am thankful they have at least one person they can call for support.
Lastly, later on this afternoon, I will be performing poetry at a Black Pride Brunch. I’ve decided to share some sensual, Queer, and liberating poetry for this event. It’s a variety of poetry that encompasses the complexity of Queer identity. I can’t wait to just celebrate Black queerness in company with other Black and Queer People of Color.
Happy Pride Month to ALL under this lovely Queer umbrella! And remember the celebrating happens all year long, this month is just the highlight ;)
*New poem on the Poems page
