🌈 I Am What I Am 🌈

A reflection for the last day of PRIDE

“I am what I am, I am my own special creation…”
— La Cage Aux Folles

It’s the last day of Pride Month. And I’m still gay. It’s not a phase. This is who I am.

This past weekend, I marched in the Pride parade with my church — a church that is fully affirming and inclusive, not just in name but in practice. A church where I don’t have to keep looking over my shoulder or get approval to say certain things or do certain things. A church where my whole body and my entire spirit can exhale.

One of the moments that moved me most was seeing all the love directed toward us as we marched. The smiles, the surprised and delighted looks from folks who didn’t expect to see churches showing up for queer people. The other faith communities who were also marching. And best of all, my boyfriend and his family were there along the parade route, cheering us on.

Everywhere I looked, I was reminded that Pride is protest as much as it is party. There were signs held high: “We’re here, We’re queer.” “Protect the Dolls.” And powerful speeches at the end of the parade that said plainly: this is why we have to keep fighting.

But it was joyful, too. Healing, even.

Even though I’ve marched in other Pride parades before, this year felt different. I didn’t care what I looked like or what anyone might think. I was just there, spreading the love of God, handing out stickers that said “God Loves Your Vibe” and “Queerfully & Wonderfully Made.” I got hugs from strangers and countless people saying “thank you for showing up.”

I keep thinking about a hymn called For Everyone Born. There’s a newer version with stanzas written by a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, doing their best to include everyone on the spectrum. It’s beautiful — and to me, it sounds like Pride in musical form.

• For Everyone Born Video

• For Everyone Born Revised Lyrics

I spent so many years being told I was an abomination, that I was going to hell. But I stand tall now, proud of who I am. I don’t have to apologize or explain or justify my existence. And even when I feel like I have to explain, it’s no longer for my own validation — it’s as a teachable moment for someone else.

Pride is a celebration, but it’s also a declaration:

“I bang my own drum.
Some think it’s noise — I think it’s pretty.”

I hope, as Pride Month ends, that you feel all the feels reading this — inspired, comforted, fired up, joyful.

I’d love to hear your own stories. How have you experienced Pride — as protest, as joy, as faith? Drop a comment. Share a photo. Tell me where you’ve seen love win.

And wherever you go, keep showing up as your full, beautiful, authentic self. The world needs you.

“Life’s not worth a damn
‘Til you can say — hey world, I am what I am!”

A Benediction for Pride

Go forth in the freedom of knowing:
You are fearfully and wonderfully made,
Queerfully and wonderfully made,
Loved by the One who delights in every color of your light.

May your heart stay brave,
Your spirit stay soft,
And your truth shine louder than any silence imposed upon you.

May you walk in places where others said you didn’t belong—
And dance there.

May you keep banging your own drum,
Until the world learns your song.

Go in pride. Go in peace. Go in love.
Amen.