Why we celebrate
Proposed changes to Nashua’s Pride celebration caused controversy that played out on social media. This is fine; questions about public events should be discussed in public, and the outcome was satisfactory. Inevitably, though, those who are confused or offended by the whole concept of Pride made the usual complaints: when do I get a Straight Pride month? “They” can do what they want in private, but why do they have to be in our face about it?
My answer to the first question is that feeling offended is not the same as being discriminated against. When we have to battle over laws that allow violence against us and exclude us from jobs, neighborhoods and institutions like marriage because we’re “straight,” we can exercise our right to protest those laws and celebrate our victories.
The answer to the second question is that Pride is open defiance against the concept that LGBTQ+ people should be ashamed of themselves. It’s repudiation of false narratives about their moral character and of laws that exclude and punish them because of their identity.
We celebrate Pride because our daughter and her wife’s wedding almost 18 years ago was, in Mark Twain’s words, “…the mightiest day in the history of our lives.” Those who fought in courtrooms and legislatures, and those who risked their own safety to fight in the streets with music, makeup and rainbow colors made our beautiful, loving family possible. We can’t thank them enough.