Today it is the local pride parade and I will be marching.
I march because the rights I have today have been hard fought. I mostly enjoy equal rights because of the actions of others. That needs to be remembered. In some parts of the world I could not freely be myself. Even a generation or two ago I couldn't.
Those same equal rights are under threat in some places. I march to be seen and counted.
I march in memory of those that have lost their lives simply because the prospect of being themselves was too hard. Whilst we mostly have equal rights, we still don't have broad equal acceptance. Their loss needs to be remembered.
I march for those that aren't brave enough to be out here, seen and counted, still struggling to be. For you, I am here helping to pave the way. For you, I am here.
I march to represent those that would want to be here but can't.
I march for the generation to come to ensure that have the same or better rights and freedoms to equality and inclusion that I do. Especially, that kids don't have to go through what I did.
Today I march with pride.
