The Power of Pride: Portland Pride 2017

Portland is one of the most welcoming and accepting cities in the Pacific Northwest, if not the country. Portlanders are known for their friendliness and not being judgmental. And we’re not afraid to speak up and make our voices heard when we don’t agree with something, as shown by the many anti-Trump rallies in the past months. Unfortunately, Portland is not immune from hate and violence, as shown by the recent murders of two men who came to the defense of two girls who were the target of racial slurs aboard a MAX train. But as a trans woman Portland is one of the places I feel most safe, and where I don’t have to fear being trans or to hide who I am.

This past weekend was Portland Pride, which is a time to celebrate diversity and who we are. But Pride is so much more than just a celebration; it’s an opportunity to bring attention to the LGBTQ community and educate people about who we are and the challenges we face. And this year’s Pride was even more important and meaningful because of the discrimination and hate which has been on the rise since Trump came to office. Pride gives us the opportunity to show that we will not be bullied and we are not going away. As the saying goes, we are out and proud. I did have concerns about going to Pride this year because of the increased violence against the LGBTQ community and all the pro-Trump supporters who have been out in force in Portland. But as I mentioned earlier, this year’s Pride is special and I was damned if I was going to let anyone scare me away from attending.

The Trans Pride parade was on Saturday and it was such a wonderful experience. After a week of chilly, rainy weather the sun finally reappeared and it was a gorgeous day. Mother Nature was showing her Pride spirit too! The march isn’t just about showing who we are, it’s about the comradery and support of being among such a huge gathering of our community. The past year has been trying for all of us, facing a daily onslaught of hate and legislation designed to take away our rights, so Pride is a time when we can get a break from all that and feel good about ourselves. And being there amongst people who understand and are so supportive is very powerful and affirming. To have people showing their support for us, whether it was a sign or a smile or just cheering, means a lot. It gives me hope at a time when feeling hopeful can be difficult, and it reinforces that we’re not alone. There are people who care and who are fighting for us as allies.

One of the moments which touched me the most was when a saw a couple about my age holding a sign that said “We Love Our Trans Child” because so often we hear of parents disowning their child when the child comes out as trans. I went over and talked with them for a while and it made my day to hear about how they accepted and support their daughter and how she has grown and how happy that makes them. There is hope. And that is the power of Pride, to connect with people and share stories and give hope and support.

There were demonstrators there, but not as many as I had anticipated, or maybe I just didn’t see them thanks to the efforts of the Portland Police Department. And a big thank to a group of amazing people who are here to take care of us year after year, the Sisters of Perpetual Indulgence, who acted as a barrio between us and the demonstrators and blocked them out with big LGBT flags, along with the Raging Grannies, who’s beautiful voices drowned out the hateful chants of the demonstrators. The Grannies touched my heart is many ways, and I would honored to join their ranks some day.

It was heartening to see all the people who turned out for the parade to participate or to cheer us on, and to see all the LGBTQ flags flying from buildings downtown. It was a wonderful and positive experience that I won’t soon forget. Pride is a wonderful reason to feel good about ourselves, which is something that is all too easy to forget to do, especially these turbulent times we live in.