Webster's defines pride as:
1: a reasonable or justifiable self-respect
2: delight or elation arising from some act, possession, or relationship
Prior to June 28, 1969, police would routinely raid gay bars, homosexuality was still listed as a mental disorder and marriage, was definitely not a possibility. Then some brave, black queers and drag queens decided enough was enough and now we celebrate and recognize this every June.
"Namaste", the light in me recognizes the light in you and they are the same. On metaphysical and sub physical level we are the same. The same skeletal system, the same spark of the divine.
However, our physical forms are very different. And some of these forms bare their own challenges, trauma and even suffering. As a gay man of "a certain age" I came of age shortly after Stonewall and in the worst of the AIDS crisis. I received subtle and not so subtle messages that there was something wrong with me. As a result I put layers and walls up to my true self. Secrets, lies and charades become my second language. In my mid 20s I was dragged to my first yoga class. A few years later I added meditation to my practice. Then studied (and still) Buddhism and a Course in Miracles. All of these things helped me to excavate and discover...well, me.
Yoga is about union, and for a lot of us in the LGBTQ+ community, yoking our created personas and our authentic selves is a arduous practice. My Asana practice helped me to become comfortable in my skin, and teaching helped me find my voice. The yoking of the acceptance of my true self and the ability to speak of who I am took that closet door off it's hinge! To some Pride just looks like a weekend long party with half clad people. For me it's a reminder that I no longer have to keep my life secret and in the shadows. I no longer have to feel "different" or"weird". And the only acceptance I need is my own. Namaste.
