Gay Teen Pride!
Show your colors! Gay pride parades have been an annual celebration of pride since 1969 when the first gay pride parade was organized to protest Stonewall in New York City. Since then parades are organized all over the world to celebrate diversity and pride in gay life. Yesterday was the 2009 Gay Pride Parade in San Francisco, CA and brought Gay and Gay supporters together to celebrate.
This is an important event certainly for the adults who participate, but possibly more important for teens who have the opportunity to participate and/or watch the parade. It is a great opportunity to see others who are Gay and be in an environment that is supportive. For teens struggling with their sexual identity, this is an opportunity to watch, ask questions and get answers.
Most Gay adults if asked when they knew they were gay will answer, “I knew I was different when I was in first grade if not before.” Years ago a study revealed that this is exactly when gay teens are most likely to have a sense that they are different. They have years to think about this fact while they watch parents and extended family react to events like Gay Pride Parades and political debates like California’s Proposition 8 or Don’t Ask Don’t Tell. I wrote a blog entry about this earlier.
They watch you view Lt. Dan Choi on MSNBC discuss how he was fired not becaused he failed to do his job, but because he is Gay. These messages are confusing to anyone who knows the U.S. pledge of allegiance…”Liberty and justice for all,” but especially for a teen who understands that being Gay is not accepted in my home and I need to stay here for the next few years to finish High School. Can you imagine lying to those who love you the most so that you can be provided for? Can you imagine what this must do to their sense of feeling okay or normal?
Gay Pride Parades are an opportunity to help parents and teens talk about gay issues and unknowingly tell your teen that they are okay. Show them through your actions that if they were to come out to you that you would love them no matter what even though understandably it may take you time to get used to the idea. After all, they have had years to get used to the concept. Let them know they can be who they are and who they are is okay. What more is any teen looking for from their loved ones?
Have you had to deal with a situation like this one in your family. If you have a story like this one please let me know, I would love to hear it.
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