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Pride Awareness and Disengage Tool for Lifestyles

Writer's picture: Michael SellickMichael Sellick

Pride Month is supposedly a time of celebration, but for some reason, it seems to trigger a chorus of negativity from those who love to use my life choices as political pawns. Here's the kicker: their "justification" often comes from a book written long after the fact by people who may not have even known Jesus. Love is love, but some folks need historical footnotes to understand that.


A bible in a field with a tree and sunrise in the background.
The bible from years ago.

Ah, the good old days! Remember when women were practically livestock? And marriage? It is a hostile takeover of the wife's life. Luckily, it's 2024, a whole two millennia later! We've, like, totally evolved.


Take Mikey, for example. Married, couldn't have kids naturally (shocker in this age of rampant equality!). Adoption? Forget about it, too expensive! At least he gets to high-five himself for making the economically sound decision of skipping parenthood. His wife, of course, just had to deal with endless questions from nosy neighbours because, well, what's a woman for if not procreation, right?


A modern home with the lights on with a gray car parked in the laneway.
Modern Home in Winter

Oh wow, who knew regular people were living the "alternative lifestyle" who, gasp, don't crave constant attention! They're more than just rainbows and glitter, can you believe it? Actual human beings! Shocking, right?


And don't even get me started on that hilarious Facebook meme! It's the perfect example of promoting equality... by being super inflammatory. Nothing says "we want acceptance" like making everyone else feel awkward. At least June is my "special" month. Because apparently, I forget to be gay the rest of the year.


We need to understand Pride Awareness.


A popular meme in June 2024 that is going around on Facebook.
Wishing All The Homophobes A Super Uncomfortable Month

In my interactions, I keep conversations focused on the situation at hand. This approach has worked well for me in maintaining harmony. It's a way to coexist peacefully and respectfully, even if our beliefs differ. For me, the pride symbol(s) also go in the other direction.


Just like the cross for Christians, symbols of pride hold deep meaning for many people. They represent a journey of self-discovery, acceptance, and belonging. While their history might be different, the sentiment is similar – a way to express who you are and the values you hold dear. By understanding these symbols and their stories, we can create a more inclusive and respectful environment for everyone.


The 2SLGBT+IA symbol pin on a jacket.
Mike's Gray Jacket with A Pride Pin on Lapel.

Speaking only for me, I wear my pride to protect me and also to give guidance to the person who sees it:


  1. Like many wear religious symbols for comfort and guidance, I find wearing pride symbols offers similar benefits. Within my community, it shows solidarity with others on their journeys, just like a Christian wearing a cross.

  2. It also functions as a kind of open signal. For me, it signifies acceptance – I welcome people of all backgrounds into my space, and I value who they are. It's not about promoting a lifestyle, but simply about creating a space of mutual respect.

  3. Similar to how someone might wear a cross to deter unwanted religious discussions, my pride symbol can sometimes act as a gentle boundary. It lets people know I'm comfortable with myself and don't need to be persuaded otherwise.


Message to Those in My Community


I know it can be frustrating when progress for LGBTQ+ rights feels slow. Our history is filled with examples of how hard-fought these rights have been, and how much sacrifice went into achieving even the progress we have today.


Harvey Milk's story is a powerful reminder of that. He was a trailblazer, and his fight for equality had a tragic cost. His legacy, and the legacy of countless others like him, is what allows us to keep moving forward.


The world may not be perfect, but because of those who came before us, it's much better than it used to be. And we can keep working to make it even more inclusive and accepting for everyone.



I don't foresee equality in a true sense in my lifetime. Many of us, not just those in my lifestyle but everyone, are trying to figure out life along the way.


Keep in mind that there are going to be people that will intentionally post stupid shit like the picture below—yes, reminding people like me that we have no place. In the USA, there are over 341 million people, and approximately 24 million identify as belonging to the pride community. It's about 7%, which sounds like a small number, but when you factor in the population, 24 million is a big deal.


I've seen posts of people wishing our community to commit suicide, but 24 million is a pretty significant number, don't you agree?


In the USA, nearly 90% of the population has been affiliated with religion since the 1990s; in 2024, only 60% had some affiliation with a religion, a drop of 30%. That's over 204 million people who are disengaged with religion.


An american kicking someone of a pride background in the stomach.
Popular Anti-Pride Meme Flying Around Online in 2024

I think it's partially fair to say that the bible, which people cling to that offers death threats, is outdated. Some stories may be relevant to behaviour, but a lot of what we live in today, such as dealing with cyberbullying, technology usage, elections and much more in that modern era, are missing.


If there is anything I love about the idea of church, it is the sense of community and helping others. For many churches, though, I would not be welcomed through the front door, though I would have the power to make a difference. I don't fit the mould in which the church operates. For many, staying on the curb and out of touch is okay.


Two men in pop culture art celebrating pride.
Two People Celebrating Diversity and Pride

It's A Wrap


I've learned that you can make a positive difference no matter which type of lifestyle you want to live. If an organization wants to exclude you, screw it. Move on and be part of something else.


Times are changing; maybe a third or private bathroom/change rooms are needed. I like to believe that most people in my lifestyle aren't here to be activists or to force change. We are just here to co-exist in a world where we don't know our proper place and for others to realize our place isn't 6 feet underground.


Leave me a comment below if you want to add to this article.

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Darlene Smart
Darlene Smart
Jun 03, 2024
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

I am not part of the LGBTQ+ community, and I cannot imagine how hard it is for those who are. My philosophy is let you be you as long as you aren't directly hurting me. And I cannot understand how your being part of it would hurt me. You aren't contagious as some seem to think. Those people always make me wonder if they are questioning their own sexuality and don't want to admit it. If they are, I feel sorry for them not being able to express their true self. If they aren't, then they belong to the mindset that I abhor.

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