Is that why it’s called pride?

By Hanna Sucsy
Teascarlet Fine Arts

I wasn’t necessarily “celebrating” Pride month. I hadn’t planned to go to the Pride event. Then I drove by and saw my friend McCallum out in front of the venue, chatting with people at the door while 15 or so protesters rallied from across the street.

This is my friend. He has come to my art events, showing support by simply showing up. I met him when I was hosting open mic at The Pearl Theater, and I remember admiring his super-cool boots the first time I met him.

He has been part of putting together an event incredibly controversial in our small town — not for that reason but despite it.

He is using his voice the way it is instead of the way it makes others around him comfortable.

I realized that I actually have a lot in common with him. The funny thing is that I see people lumping each other into categories based on sexuality, when the thing that struck me had more to do with voice.

Have you ever felt that your voice didn’t matter? I spent years of my life being told what I was supposed to believe, what I was supposed to say, what I was supposed to speak up about and what I was supposed to keep quiet about.

Since learning what I want to say, finding my voice and using it, I am starting to feel like a whole person. For me, much of it has to do with creativity and art. Since I started creating the things that were inside me for so long, I see how it has helped others do the same.

I don’t personally know the other participants or promoters of this event. All I know is, my friend is saying “this is who I am, this is what I feel.” And I’m proud of him for that.

Is that why its’s called pride? I’m proud of my friend.