June is Pride
Honor the month…a day really
That people like me are noticed
We get to be surrounded by people like us
We the people outside of “the norm”
What’s a norm really?
Just a made up category
Used to label and divide
They make me the “other“
But in June
All us “others”
Take pride in who we are
Hold our heads and flags up high
Hold hands…kiss my wife in public
We relax…I relax
And breathe deeply of a freedom
That isn’t usually there
In June we collectively blow the closets up
In a rainbow of colors
There’s a parade…music blasts
Balloons fly…floats float
And dykes on bikes…just are
And in that moment
We are seen…I am seen
Maybe contemplated
Perhaps considered for the first time
That I am just like you
Before I disappear in July
What about after the parade?
I go back to my life
As we all do
Some back to a closet
All of us with untamed fears
Fear of being harassed
Harmed or targeted
Fear of people’s stares or whispers
Fear of more than whispers
The threats, open and veiled
What will you do to me next?
Take my marriage away…just try
Legislate more hate
Further institutionalize homophobia and discrimination?
The parade is life
It’s being alive and unshackled
Marching in step with all those “others”
Who seek to do what I do…
Hold my head up high
Squeeze my place at the table
Demand to be part of the conversation
That has been about me
But hasn’t included me
It strikes me…
The parade isn’t the celebration
I am
You are
There is no after the parade
It can’t pass me by
Because it is me
It isn’t a month
It’s a lifetime
The parade is living out and proud
Of who I am and who I love
It’s seeking justice
Practicing kindness
Loving mercy
Creating equality
Walking with humility
Teaching by example
Loving even when I am not
Going high when they often go so low
It doesn’t matter what day the parade is
Because every day
I am proud
I am a proud lesbian
I am a proud wife and mom
I wouldn’t change a thing
The parade can’t pass me by…
I am the parade
Kai Raines 