Pride is Still Alive!

June 2, 2025

Esse qua esse bonum est, or "Being as being is good." This does not mean that everything that happens is good. But whatever exists is good. ~ Marcus Borg

I am writing again. I have missed it so much! Of course, I have been writing a lot lately, but all for seminary work, which is great. However, I feel called to write and share more. Writing and sharing feeds my soul. I long to create art again. I realized today that I have been struggling off and on with depression for a while. That's not a surprise - I don't know anyone who is not struggling with depression and anxiety these days. I cannot afford to lose myself in compassion fatigue. Today I vow to myself that I will keep on creating, even if life is busy and hard. I must remember that that is capitalism talking-in reality, I can choose to slow down and be gentle with myself. I can choose to stop hustling and to stop numbing out with social media.

It felt so good to cry today. I went to a support group, checked in, and then started sobbing. I needed to release my emotions so badly, and I am so glad I did. I know I am more authentic than probably most, and yet I did not realize how much I have been masking, or at least felt I was masking until this morning. Some of the people in the room have known me since my late 20s, and it felt so good to be seen and known by my peers in recovery.

Speaking of being seen and known, tomorrow is June 1st, the beginning of Pride month and pride is needed. I watched the new documentary, "Pee-Wee as Himself," and I cried and cried. Paul Reuben spent his life in the closet, except when people cruelly outed him again and again against his will. His life story is both sad and absolutely beautiful. Even though LGBTQ+ people are still incredibly persecuted, I believe those who can need to proclaim their pride proudly. Showing the world that we can still love ourselves and others even when many people loudly do not is more healing than continuing to hate. That's what trauma therapy has taught me. I took about a month break from therapy and that was probably a mistake. lol. oh, well, my therapist is back on my schedule. The antidote to trauma is self-love and self-compassion. Sometimes I hate that fact because moving towards those things when the world is despairing is a very hard thing to do, but it is vital if I want to heal, and I do.

I used to feel seen by Target, when it would release its June pride collection. I knew that I was supporting a corporation and that it was all a money grab. I knew that it would be far more productive and loving to support small businesses and independent artists, but it felt so good to be catered to in the mainstream and I wanted to encourage them to keep on. Well, it WAS all a money grab, and so Target stopped advertising pride when it no longer suited them, and so I want to support another mainstream corporation that has continued to appeal to LGBTQ+ people's pockets!

Hurray for Michael's!

I was so delighted last week when I discovered that pride is alive and well in their store. It is in the holiday section, right behind the Fourth of July. Of course, the Fourth is the main holiday highlighted, but their Pride collection was just one aisle behind it. They have a lot of cute pride merchandise and I want to buy it all! I already would have bought a good amount but I am trying to save money. However, I did take pictures of all of the merchandise available at the store I was at, which was the Michael's in Buckhead. I know most of us are struggling monetary wise, but not all of us are and if you are not, then please put some thought and intention behind your purchases. I do, and it makes me feel good to live into my values with my wallet. Consciously spend money on pride merchandise whoever you can. Support Michael's and support small businesses and independent artists. Support pride any way you can, for those who cannot.

To continue to OUTwardly showcase pride goods is not only a powerful business move, but a political one. Money is power and that power is often said to be evil, but it does not have to be. I have been boycotting Hobby Lobby now for years and I was worried that I might have to start boycotting Michael's too. I feel very relieved.

Stores to Support:

Mainstream: Michael's

Note: There's a ton more stuff online, including really nice outdoors and party decorating items. I wish I had more money!

Michael's Pride Display