It all begins with Pride

Whenever one gets to hear the word Pride/ being proud, the instant thought is of an ostentatious,

smug and conceit acting person. People frown upon this, alluding to their Christian

teachings; one shall not be proud but instead be humble for humility comes with wisdom Proverbs 11:2.

This teaching has been embedded in people, such that a more positive connotation on the word ‘Pride’

has been overlooked. Pride that will certainly not lead to an individual’s downfall instead, marks the

beginning of ones journey to self-actualisation. This article serves to identify and elaborate on the

positivity of pride, Gay Pride specifically and its significance in the lives of people who identify as

LGBTIQ+.

What is Pride

A general definition of the term Pride will outline it as a feeling of deep pleasure or satisfaction

derived from one’s own achievements, the achievements of those with whom one is closely associated

or from possessions that are widely admired (Steinvorth & Ulrich, 2016). This tends to propagate

positive behaviours such as creativity, performance attainment and invoke a sense of pleasure.

On the contrary, a definition derived from Christian theology denotes pride as being the result of

high self-esteem, and thus high self-esteem has always been viewed as the primary human problem

(OED Online, 2014). The pride relative to this discussion certainly does not lead to egotism. In fact,

it is a unique, satisfactory, tolerable and indispensable type of pride. It describes confidence and

self-respect as expressed by members of a group. This is the pride that comes with being human and

being conscious and aware of one’s sexual orientation, gender and sexual identity. A day specific to

minority groups who have faced so much oppression, discrimination and judgement for who they are,

such that they need to celebrate their achievements.

My personal definition of this pride is simply ‘Freedom’. Freedom to be one’s self. Freedom to be and

live the way I was meant to. Identifying as a member of the lgbtiq+ community comes with daunting

challenges such as discrimination, social exclusion, harassment; especially in the form of derogatory

statements (labelling). Typically a person who identifies as lgbtiq+ and has ‘come out’ as being so/ is

visibly identifiable as being so, has faced some sort of stigma and discrimination from society at some

point in their lives. As opined by Singh & Durso in 2017, 1 in 4 LGBTIQ+ people reported to have

faced discrimination in 2016. Therefore, Pride tends to give one a break from such, infact this day

applauds each and every individual therefore re-assuring them that they are appreciated and they are

doing a good job at being themselves. After-all, we all need a regular pat on the back to say, go out

there, be the best that you can and most importantly be yourself regardless of whatever.

The LGBTIQ+ individual;

One of the fiercest strong willed individuals to have graced this planet. These are the people who take

it all in, the people at the helm of the axis oppression. The people who have been persecuted and

be-littled all because they wanted to love another of the same sex. People who identify as lesbian,

bisexual, gay, transgender and intersex are those who do not conform to society’s norms or expectations

of sexual orientations.

Significance of pride

Pride is a very colourful, (gaudy as some may allude) event where people who identify as lgbtiq+ join

together to revel their victories over the discrimination, transphobia and biphobia (amongst others) that

they face on a daily basis. It is a day marked with color, jubilance, triumphant melodies and chanting

as people march through the streets and showcase their pride for being who they are. It is a public

proclamation to everyone; we are who we are, and nothing is going to change us. A few notable points

on the importance of pride include;

Unity and strength

Part of being lgbtiq+ means that one becomes socially isolated and excluded because he or she does

not lead a lifestyle which is termed ‘normal’. But in all sense, what is normality. Isn’t normality

supposed to encompass ‘being who you are as a human (Individuality)’?(Discussion for another day).

This misconception alone tends to result in lgbtiq+ individuals feeling isolated from social circles and

feeling alone and vulnerable. During the Pride gathering, an lgbtiq+ individual is apt to witness a

sense of affiliation, acceptance and association with others. Correspondingly, pride gives individuals a

sense of unity and strength as there is movement in numbers, each stride bearing meaning; people

parading with a sole purpose, to be heard. According to the Fassinger (1996) and Cass (1979) identity

models of self-identification, an lgbtiq+ person goes through a number of phases of self-identification

until finally he or she accepts who they are. After overcoming such they become proud of themselves.

The essence of pride comes forth in this avenue as this parade allows lgbtiq+ individuals who have

been battling with their inner self to discover that they are not alone. Cohesively, as elaborated by the

famous adage, with unity comes strength.

A Platform to raise awareness

Social awareness about lgbtiq+ issues will continue to serve as a paramount activity in the plight to

end discrimination and ensure egalitarianism is fully adopted by society. Raising awareness is an

everyday activity tasked upon each lgbtiq+ individual, I believe. Similarly, advocacy on lgbtiq+ issues

is everyone’s duty, regardless of one’s sexual orientation. Pride tends to amplify the scope and reach

of the awareness mandate. It has the ability to reach masses, and people all around. The mere concept

of being a vibrant and colourful event tends to grab the attention of people’s eyes and change their

perceptions. The vibrant dress-codes, rainbow flags and paraphernalia denote a peaceful environment

to people as bright and vibrant colors are associated with fun, laughter and joy. According to

Vazquez et al in 2009, human visual attention is for an important part bottom-up driven by the saliency

of image details. An image detail appears salient when one or more of its low level features

(e.g size, shape, luminance, color, texture, binocular disparity, or motion) differs significantly

from its variation in the background. Equally efficient are the sensitization placards which have

messages on them which are carried by participants. .

An opportunity to show support

Support does not only come from other lgbtiq+ members but the relatives of lgbtiq+ individuals,

peers as well as organizations and companies as well. Support to the lgbtiq+ community is vital in

showing that the society is united. Support can come in the form of gracing the event, partaking in

the march or parade and setting up a stall.

All roads lead to Pride

As pride month draws closer, try and remember what it means to you and as an individual

identifying as lgbtiq+ person or as a friend/colleague/ colleague to an lgbtiq+ person. Remind

yourself the role you have to play in advocacy. Therefore, this pride month, I implore you to

invite all your peers, relatives and colleagues to a day filled with fun, color and joy. Put on that yellow

shirt you have been dreading to wear because it is just too bright, match it up with those pink shorts

and those red sneakers, grab yourself a rainbow flag and make your way to the streets. I promise you,

it will be the best thing you have done for yourself in a long while. It all begins with being Proud of

one’s self.