My First Pride Fest

On Sunday, June 24^th, I went to my first pride fest. I not only went to pride fest, but I also had the opportunity to participate in the pride parade with a family member who use to work for the company that had a spot in the parade. I loved seeing all the support and excitement of all of the St. Louis residents who came out to support the LGBTQ community. As I was riding in the parade I couldn’t stop looking at all the people clapping, cheering, and holding signs of support such as love is love, or spread love not hate. During that time nothing else mattered and we were all there to support each other and it was okay for us to be who we are. Being in the pride parade was such a wonderful moment that I will always treasure. When I came out at 21 I always had this goal of going to pride fest because it was a way for me to celebrate who I am and I am so glad I was finally able to attend.

I know that identifying as part of the LGBTQ community is becoming more accepting, but when you actually see that support and love where you live it’s truly amazing and has made me extremely proud to be gay and I can’t wait to attend next year.

Friends throw party to celebrate a friend’s transition from female to male

I came across this story a few days ago and I felt that because its pride month it was worth sharing. Corey Walker, celebrated with his friends on May 24^th to kick off his Journey of transitioning from female to male. Walker tweeted photos of the celebration and he received 61,000 likes and many positive reactions and comments. Walker said “ It was really exciting," I'm glad I had the party because I think this transition should be a positive thing and having the support that I had was encouraging." Walker says the idea for the party came about when he threw a party for his former partner who was also transitioning. Walker says "I kind of put my own personal transition on the back-burner to be supportive of him," Walker explained. "When it was my turn to transition, my friends thought that I deserved the same."

Corey’s friends decorated the room in blue and white with signs that read “It’s a Boy!” the party took place on the same day that Corey took his first dose of testosterone. Walker has set a date for top surgery on July 19^th and hopes that sharing the images will inspire others to support their loved ones who are also transitioning. I think this is a really cool idea and it’s a wonderful way to show support. I will have a link to the article down below.

Thanks for reading

Tom

https://goodmorningamerica.com/living/story/friends-throw-boy-party-celebrate-buddys-transition-female-55512081