Pride

It's Gay Pride Month. Well, actually, it's the end of it, and I just now got around to realizing it. I was reading something the other day that said, "Gay pride month, formerly known as June..." and it got me thinking. To me, June is still JUNE. It probably always will be. And while my life is influenced by my sexuality, it is not my entire world, as it is for some people. It does not define who I am, nor does it dictate the who/what/when/where/how of my life. But that is not to say that I'm not prideful. I'm thankful for the strides that those who've come before me have made. I'm grateful that they shut down streets in order to have a pride parade, because at least that means we're out there in numbers that can't be ignored. We're here, we're queer, get used to it! (Cliche, I know, but still true.)

Seriously though, I think as more people have come out, and been encouraged to do so, it's become harder to turn a blind eye. Visibility matters. In fact, even Cox Communications now carries Logo. I discovered this the other night, and in a fit of joy parked myself in front of the television for hours, watching comedy and short film. And at my excitement at gay programming, a good friend of mine (who will willingly admit that she's a lesbian trapped in a straight girl's body) expressed her jealousy and asked why I needed Logo. (I'm already gay, which apparently means I don't need to watch gay-ness on television). So, as much as I love her, I feel like I need to make things clear: I need Logo. Every gay person in America needs it. Visibility MATTERS. The importance of gay programming on standard cable must be understood, especially by allies. Because if THEY don't get why we need it, all that progress has been for naught. And I really can't bear to see that happen; I can't imagine taking any more steps backward than our administration has already pushed us.