(or before the parade passes by)
I can’t remember the last time I watched a parade, let alone was in one. Yet, here I am walking down the streets of San Diego with 300,000 onlookers cheering us on as we wave LGBTQ+ flags honorably while tossing candy, shirts and small footballs.
Remember in The Giver, when Jonas gets memories of joyous human experiences? This would be a moment worthy of passing on.
Can you imagine? Thousands of people in bright rainbow colors showing up to prove that there are people in your city who love you for who you are??!!
It was a deliriously happy two-mile walk, in which my husband gave out at least a dozen emotional hugs to those on the sideline who took him up on his T-shirt offer of “free dad hugs.”
There was so much love in that city, I could feel my heart basking in it.
And the moment almost didn’t happen.
Night before.
Based on recent revelations that not all LGBTQ+ kids enjoy participating in the parade, I asked my son if he actually wanted to walk in the Pride Parade, the night before we were slated to attend.
He said “no” straightaway, with zero hesitation.
I was honestly stunned, and asked the follow up question of “why not?”
The answer was even sadder than I could have guessed, it was because he’s not proud of being trans. He would have much rather been born a boy then have to go through this painful transition.
Well, of course he would have. I don’t blame him.
I gave him an out and said we could skip it, or maybe just watch it this year.
But in his-style-of-bravery, he turned me down and said he would come.
The next morning, he was ready to go but instead of showing off trans pride, he decided to wear pansexual colors as that is his sexual orientation.
I tried to question his choice, but he said this was what he was most comfortable with. And off we went.
I sat questioning the decision to participate in the parade for the 20 minute car ride, and the 10 minute Uber drop-off. I questioned it as we walked through the parade participants and waited hours to start walking.
He looked unsure, intimidated, maybe even unhappy.
However, all of that shed away when he met another transgender man who approached him and asked if he was trans as well.
Showing off his top surgery, this guy gave our teen a hug, several fist bumps and pep talks galore before we started marching down the street.
The smile on our child’s face after his interaction with this boy was all I needed to rest assured this was a good decision.
Have you been to a LGBTQ+ parade? I’d love to hear your experience in the comment section!
TransMama 