Kiss and Tel (Aviv)

Yesterday, I skipped my university commencement and attended Tel Aviv’s Gay Pride parade.

Tel Aviv, known as the “Gay Capital of the Middle East” celebrated pride week in style. Headlined by Orange is the New Black star Lea Delaria, locals and tourists from Sweden, Brazil and Germany celebrated side-by-side. The streets that were empty the night before were filled with rainbow flags, speedos, high heels, balloons, dancers, and pure happiness.

There were drum circles, face painters, drag queens, and people who could be Britney Spears’ backup dancers. People twerked down the streets, danced, and took a dip in the Mediterranean Sea. There were banners promoting the legalization of gay marriage in Israel (as it is recognized but not legally officiated in the country). With gay marriage being legalized in America just last year, it seems like Israel is twerking in the right direction. This celebration left locals, tourists, lesbian, straight, and trans individuals feeling radiant and empowered. To feel proud of who they were born to be.