Pride Is Good
There are few things I know for sure. One such truth for me is that we all function better if we feel heard and understood. As a mom, I saw when my children crumbled beneath a sustained righteous wall of inflexibility. Those moments made my heart hurt. I knew when pause and more openness was indicated. Misunderstandings born from differing viewpoints, or judgements made without knowing the full story can lead to avoidable confrontations. I know how important it is for me to be heard, so why would I not recognize that same need in my child or anyone else for that matter? If only more listening or curiosity could happen before judgements overtake.
I’ve seen the byproduct of hurt and frustration when others feel belittled or criticized. Such sneer or marginalization often leads to pain. When that kind of sadness and frustration is stuffed inside a hurting heart, that ache can exacerbate and grow tenacles that can become toxic and threaten emotional wellness. The effects of not feeling seen, heard, or accepted can, at times, be catastrophic. I know this all too well.
As an advocate for suicide and mental health awareness, I love the Pride celebrations of June. Societal acceptance has improved for the LGBTQ plus community, but I’m sure there are many who feel the journey towards expanding tolerance must continue. Many beautiful people have been an easy target for judgement and exclusion because of differences in sexual orientation or gender identity. Joining in festive celebrations which openly celebrate our differences are a good exercise in bridging gaps of diversity. Everyone deserves to have their voice be heard. The opportunity to hear and see those who’ve struggled with feeling accepted swells with goodness far beyond the gay community. Pride festivals invite all of us to sing and dance together as we live in our truths.
Pride month is a salute to humanity. Rainbow flags symbolize acceptance. Celebrations of tolerance, kindness and co-existence are good for everyone. While living in Chicago, my son loved attending the Pride Parade held each year at the end of June. He loved being part of the positive energy of acceptance for all different types of people, regardless of differences. We all tend to dehumanize people when we put them into groups. But last I checked, most of us like a good laugh. Most of us enjoy a good meal. Most of us like feeling good; and all of us, I’m thinking, love to be loved.
As I think about all the Pride events happening in our Dayton community and beyond this month, I couldn’t help but think of Mr. Rogers. I loved Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. His gentle ways of kindness and welcomeness still resonate with me after so many years. His book of quotes is my favorite gift for those who are too young to know him. Among his multitude of kind and wise sayings, I think this one is apropos. He said, “Knowing that we can be loved exactly as we are gives us all the opportunity for growing into the healthiest of people.”
Being our best selves is good for everyone. Being healthy makes healthier relationships. It’s a win-win to stand together in compassion and solidarity as we keep our ears in listening mode in order to hear and understand those are different. At one time or another, all of us have felt the burden of being different. And in those moments, there is nothing better than an outstretched hand from someone with a warm and welcoming smile. Wrap such outreach with a summertime celebration, and we all become a bit more healthy.