OutChime Chimes In: What Pride means to Chimers

In honor of Pride month, we sat down with a few Chimers to understand what Pride means to them and the LGBTQIA+ community.

The first Pride celebration Jason Howard attended was in Atlanta in the early 2000s. “I was so overwhelmed with emotion,” he says. “Coming from a small community in Tennessee, seeing this major event with thousands of people allowed me to experience a sense of community I had never felt before — it was like a big, warm hug. As part of a community where we almost always feel like the exception, Pride was the one place where I felt like the rule — like I belonged.”

For Amy Silverman, she never had anyone to tell her it was ok to feel the way she felt as a kid. “I remember my first Pride as an attendee, thinking it was amazing to have all of these examples of being your authentic self,” she says. “Then, my first Pride on a float going down Halstead street in Chicago, seeing the sea of people cheering, chanting, and bringing positive vibes — that was one of the most impactful moments for me. Events like Pride are an opportunity to show each other that our community is supportive when we choose to be ourselves.”

“Growing up gay in a suburb of Dallas, I thought that being gay meant going to the Pride parade,” says Jonnie Ramirez. “I saw those who attended as more confident, established, and comfortable in who they were. Over time, I realized that the parade is both a platform to celebrate each other, but also a way for people like me, who didn’t feel as comfortable in their skin, to be in an inclusive environment. I had never felt more loved, accepted, and seen than I did at my first Pride.”

The evolution of the meaning of Pride

For Jonnie, Pride has taken on new meaning over time: “As a kid, I wasn’t confident enough to express my authentic self, but attending Pride and many years in the community have helped me more openly embrace myself — Pride holds the space for people who are out and those who are on their journey there, no matter where they are.”

The same rings true for Jason, who has been out for over 25 years now. As a young adult, he saw it as an opportunity to engage with folks he didn’t see on a day-to-day basis. As he’s grown older, Pride has become a way for him to bring his community and workplace together — he’s become a big advocate for companies participating in Pride wherever he’s worked.

The shift to seeing support for Pride in companies and retailers is also exciting for Amy: “It’s so great, more than just the parade and parties, to see rainbows across cities, in shops and businesses — that never used to happen,” she says. “That open display shows the progress we’ve made.”

Since Jason started attending Pride, he’s also seen a large shift in the participation rate — both of individuals and companies. “Before, companies made the decision to participate or not; now, it’s an expectation — it’s been normalized,” he says. “Some see that as an over-commercialization of Pride, but I see it as a nice thing since it means that participating is becoming the norm — not to mention that it increases visibility for our community.”

Pride through the pandemic

Corporate participation is one thing — but when a pandemic takes in-person participation off the table, that’s a whole other issue. “Not to mention, there were so many other things happening at the same time last year — the meaning of Pride definitely shifted,” Jason explains. “We’ve had to find new ways to connect and get involved in the community virtually.”

Jonnie, for example, has started supporting LGBTQIA+-owned businesses through ongoing fundraisers for his favorite shops, restaurants, and bars. “Many of these businesses are historical parts of the community and it was critical for us that they make it through the pandemic,” he says. “What’s more, without the ability to gather in person, supporting local retailers acted as a continuous reminder of the ongoing importance of safe spaces for the community to gather when we can do so again safely.”

Last year, Jonnie supported the Oasis bar in San Francisco through their marathon drag show. “This year, we’re hoping for smaller events and to celebrate in person,” he says. “I’m really looking forward to in-person events,” says Amy. “Last year was tough all around, so connecting in person will be extremely meaningful this year.”

Ultimately, though, Pride — and the LGBTQIA+ community year-round — is about connection, in-person or not. Each year, Amy shares her experience on social media so that her broader network can understand what it means to her: “Pride reminds me of a time I wasn’t proud enough to participate in events like it, which I try to share every year. It’s a reminder that, while there’s a sacrifice associated with being out, our community will show up for each other when needed. This past year has been nothing short of that, even though it’s been on computer screens instead of face to face.”

It’s not all about the party

“Every year at Pride, there’s always one small section of protesters, amidst the sea of rainbows and smiles,” Amy says. “Those folks are a great reminder that people might not always approve of us, but it’s up to us to make sure our light isn’t dimmed by them. The vast majority of people are there to support us and it’s important to push forward, both in the parade and in life.”

And that parade is more than just a party — it’s a moment of strength and vulnerability because it’s part of the constant exercise of being out. Jonnie likens it to doing more and more pushups in a workout: being or coming out doesn’t get easier over time, per se, you just get more comfortable doing it. “Every time someone talks about their personal life, introduces their partner, or identifies themselves as part of the queer community, that is a moment of strength and vulnerability,” he says.

Pride serves as a reminder of that for many: you don’t just come out once, you come out every day. “Sure, it gets more comfortable over time, but it’s not a question of ‘once you’re out, you’re out,’” Amy explains. “Not only is Pride a great opportunity to feel safe in coming out, but it’s also a reminder of times when it wasn’t always safe to be out. It helps us remember the strength in our community and the progress we have yet to make.” For Jason, that progress is a story of evolution and an ongoing invitation to advocate for each other and share each others’ stories. “The stories can sometimes get lost in the fun and the partying, but Pride is a huge platform for sharing resources, education, and drawing attention to the work that’s left to do.”

“As companies and employers, Pride is a great opportunity to educate each other on the issues our community still faces,” Amy says. This year, OutChime will host a speaker on legal issues and a Chimer experience panel on being a member of the LGBTQIA+ community. “It’s on us to amplify voices and issues during this month and the rest of the year,” Jonnie says. “Pride acts as a megaphone and springboard for sharing our authentic selves and experiences with the world — through both a huge celebration and a platform through which we can show up, connect, and move forward together.”

To learn about Pride celebrations in your area, check out this Google search.