TAKE PRIDE

 

Words and Photo by F LoBuono

June is PRIDE MONTH when we celebrate out brothers, sisters, mothers, fathers, friends and lovers from the LGBTQ+ community. We also acknowledge how far we’ve come together while at the same time realizing how far we have still to go to achieve true, universal acceptance, especially under the very real threats posed by the current administration’s draconian anti-DEI policies.

I am very fortunate to live in a village that not only embraces the LGBTQ+ community but also exalts in their presence. It is no accident that the Phyliss B. Frank Rockland County Pride Center is in that village: Nyack, NY. In fact, we live only a block away. And that mutual admiration and solidarity was never more apparent than this past Sunday, June 8^th, during Nyack’s PRIDE DAY parade and celebration.

The streets of Nyack were filled with joyful, happy, peaceful, REAL people of ALL shapes, sizes and sexual persuasion – ALL kinds of people. And it was wonderful. What a pleasure it was to be in the presence of people who could express themselves fully in a completely safe environment. Yes, the village provided amble and necessary security but within the community present there was not even a hint of violence, resentment OR judgement. It was a palpable feeling of wellbeing, again for EVERYONE.

In addition to the parade that included marching bands, groups expressing their solidarity, people in fantastic (literally) costumes, and, of course, Dykes on Bikes, the streets were lined with vendors offering arts, crafts and useful information. Inspiring, defiant speeches by Rockland County Pride Center Executive Director, Brooke Malloy, and others were given from the village square. But what impressed me most was the fact that so many people could be together in complete peace, harmony, AND joy. EVERYONE was free to be who they CHOOSE to be. And what the hell is wrong with that?

At one point as I was traveling through the festival, I found myself pacing next to Mark Mangan. Mark does an incredible job organizing and coordinating the many street fairs and public events that Nyack has become famous for. I don’t know Mark very well but well enough to know that we share many similarities including our working-class mentality and love of community. Anyway, he was walking briskly and smiling broadly. As we came side by side, I offered my congratulations on another wonderful Nyack event. He said, “thanks” and then added, “isn’t this great?” I replied, “it most certainly is. And the best part is that it’s SO easy!” “Yup, live and let live” was Mark’s response.

We shared a moment that I think so many others also did during that wonderful day; people are just people, and they come in all shapes, sizes, and lifestyles. This is not weakness. Quite to the contrary, our diversity is our strength. People who may choose to look or live on a path different from ours ultimately have NO effect on OUR choice. And that’s yet another reason to support the LGBTQ+ community. It’s not just about them. It’s about us – and the choices we all make. We just need to make sure that we never lose the freedom to do so – on any level or to any person. The Pride flag is a rainbow for a reason. Embrace it.