As we close this vibrant and powerful month of Pride, I reflect on the multifaceted meaning of "Pride"—both as an adjective and a noun. Pride is more than a feeling; it is an act of resistance and resilience, an assertion of identity and worth in the face of adversity.

For many, pride in oneself is a radical act. In a world that often seeks to diminish or erase our true selves, embracing our identity is a powerful statement. It is a testament to our strength, courage, and unwavering spirit. Pride in who we are fuels our perseverance, drives us to overcome challenges, and reminds us that we deserve love, respect, and equality.

As a movement, Pride is a beacon of affirmation and support for our community. It celebrates our diversity, achievements, and shared journey, creating a sense of belonging and solidarity crucial in our ongoing fight for justice and equality. Pride events, marches, and parades are not just celebrations; they are acts of visibility and defiance against discrimination and prejudice. They remind us that we are not alone and that together, we are a formidable force for change. Much like the circle of life, our movement represents a continual cycle of struggle, growth, and renewal. Each of us, like the members of Simba's pride, plays a vital role in fostering a world where everyone can thrive.

This month, we have witnessed an outpouring of love, support, and unity. We have honored the trailblazers who paved the way for our rights and celebrated the progress we have made. Yet, our work is far from over. The road to a just and inclusive society is long, with many battles still to be fought. But as we move forward, we do so with pride—pride in ourselves, our community, and the strides we have made.

Let us carry the spirit of Pride beyond this month. Let us continue to stand together, uplift each other, and fight for the rights and dignity of all. Just as Simba found his strength and reclaimed his kingdom, we too can harness our pride to create a world where everyone can live authentically and freely.

Cammy Watkins

Executive Director

As I close out my 27th year, I've been intentionally reflecting on what I've learned about the world over the past year. During this time, I've had the opportunity to explore my values, understand other people's perspectives, and discover what strength can look like. I'd like to share what my top value—curiosity—has taught me about myself, in hopes of sparking a larger conversation about how our values shape our experiences. As you read, I encourage you to focus on your personal reflections rather than just these words.

Here’s what I have learned:

Connection through Questions: The longer I work in an office setting, the more I realize I ask a LOT of questions! While I've had to ensure I don’t come across as distrustful or insubordinate, asking relevant and thoughtful questions has created new bonds and strengthened existing ones. I've found that people usually enjoy being asked about themselves, and this keeps me engaged in conversation. My curiosity has taught me to lean into the questions I have about people; the answers can sometimes be surprising!

Exploration, Not Compromise: In today’s society, there seems to be a quickness to dehumanize the other side, or so I have witnessed. I have learned that the best way for me to counter my own knee-jerk reactions to opinions I disagree with is by genuinely exploring the arguments of those who hold conflicting views. The political arena is the easiest example, but this lesson is also applicable in smaller, more personal interactions. I use my curiosity to explore ideas I conflict with to ensure I am disagreeing with the argument, not the person. I do not compromise my values but rather let down my walls for the sake of recognizing humanity.

Yourself, Included: Probably the single greatest lesson I have processed this past year is making sure I utilize my curiosity as a source of joy. Many know that I have been on a journey of discovering my hobbies, which, in fact, has turned into a hobby itself! Before this, my curiosity had been aimed at ensuring I can produce enough to feel like I belong to the capitalist community. While these efforts were not completely in vain, it became apparent that I could achieve more for myself if the goal of my curiosity was liberation from the machine. Now, I allow myself to wonder more, to inspect my thoughts and feelings, and to seek out what is new or interesting.

Some hobbies that I've tried include:

- A spray painting class

- An e-bike tour

- Exploring Chimney Rock (like hiking, but with rattlesnakes)

- Attending a show at Second City in Chicago (great comedy, I’d never been to a show before)

- Starting a walking club with my friends

- Playing organized volleyball for the first time

I've really leaned into the idea of "try (almost) anything once," and with my ADHD, this seems to bring me the most joy. I loved the comedy show so much I want to take an improv class!

While this is obviously not a comprehensive list and doesn't even scratch the surface of what I have learned, my hope is that you can take some time to evaluate your values and learn from them.

So, I ask you – what have your values taught you about life? What little nuggets of wisdom can you share with your circle to increase our love for and understanding of each other?