“When I think about Pride when I was growing up it was different than how I see it now. Growing up in the world, you question your self worth and how you fit in. I thought Pride was just being a flamboyant cliché.

It wasn’t until the beginning of middle school that I had the realization that I, in fact, was gay. That realization, to me, was petrifying because I grew up in a somewhat conservative environment, seeing some of the hateful things around me.

About 10 years ago, right before high school graduation, I couldn’t hide who I was anymore. I was met with some relief when half my family still loved me and the other half, I felt, hated me. In time, though, my family, both sides, came to accept me.

After being launched into this world, I have met some amazing people who have helped mold me to be the person I am today.

Today, Pride is a badge of honor. It is something that I earned through the experiences I’ve made along the way with people I’ve met and having the ability to share stories with them.

Pride is not just a word. It is an experience.” Dylan from Chicago