“The first time I went to a Pride parade I was 17 years old and my friend Joey wanted to go to the Long Beach Pride here in California. I was so scared because up to that point he was my only gay friend and the thought of being around a lot of other gay people scared me.

When we got there and I saw hundreds of people of different shapes and colors, it made me feel so good. It made me feel like I wasn’t alone and…it changed my life.

We need these Pride parades because kids out there need to have a day or a weekend where they can be themselves. For most of us, it’s the one day a year where we don’t feel like a freak. So if you haven’t gone to a Pride parade, please go. We will welcome you with open arms. You won’t regret it.”

– Marcelino, Los Angeles

#PrideMonth #PersonalStories