I’ve known that I was gay since the fifth grade, even if I didn’t know the word itself. I came out in college, about 20 years ago (around the time this photo was taken...ignore the date stamped on the image itself...I’m uncertain those were ever correct). I have seen improvements in the way we treat queer people and yet this pride I can’t help but address the fact that it’s not enough. I was unexpectedly punched by a stranger and called f*gg*t in South Street Seaport a few weeks ago. The stranger told me he was going to kill me. My best friend Paul prevented me from getting punched a second time. A few months earlier, a Lyft driver told my family, Alex, and I that he thought gay people were ungodly. He said that while we were in his car, also here in New York City. My best friend, my husband, so many members of my friend group, we’ve all been the victims of homophobia recently. Protect queer people. Protect trans people. Pride isn’t about parties and apparel. It’s about community and safety and strength in numbers.