THE FIRST PRIDE WAS A RIOT 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 Although I am closest to my truest self now, I didn’t always feel that way. Shame and fear kept me from coming out and owning my queerness. Hiding and doubting myself was a result of growing up in a place where being queer was met with violence, hate and exclusion. Just like in several countries around the world where being LGBTQIA+ is still a criminal offence, and in some of them it’s met with a death penalty. Because of people Like Marsha P Johnson (a Black Trans woman) who was brave enough to risk her safety and fight for queer folk by throwing the first brick at Stonewall in 1969, we are now able to celebrate. But the fight isn’t over. Homophobia is still rampant worldwide, even here Canada, even in Toronto, a liberal, seemingly all-inclusive city, we still face ignorance and hatred. So let’s remember being PROUD means continuing the fight, and although it’s not a linear journey to owning that, you are still valid, still loved, still worthy. Sending so much love to you, because love conquers all❤️🧡💛💚💙💜 #PrideMonth #HappyPride