Once again, Pride is here and we homos are ready to celebrate! Though it’s a hard one this year, you know, the administration. It’s not like we haven’t been here before. Think Bush/Cheney. I would happily go back to having them as our President and VP today!
But going to a Pride event, no matter who is in office, is always a badge of honor. Marching in the street with people who understand our plight and our fight makes us feel like we’re seen and loved. There are not many times when we can really feel understood, unless we are with our people. So, the march goes on.
I have been going to Pride marches since the 1970s. I think I was 9 when I went to my first Pride event in Philly. That makes me sound old, but I am only 62. I came out in my early 20s. I have the privilege of knowing people who didn’t come out until they were in their 60s or 70s. But there is no right way to come out or the right time, just that you eventually come out and be your true self. If you have the support of your friends and family, better yet! I was fortunate to have that support and wish that was true for everyone.
Speaking of true self, in this issue we have Zach Sang, who is an entertainment journalist and podcaster from right here in the Garden State. Sang talks about how important it was to have the support of his family during his coming-out process, and how that made a positive impact in his life.
This year’s Pride marks 10 years since the Pulse nightclub shooting. We revisit that story on page 20 of the print magazine. Though some of our fallen brethren were left behind and forgotten, we honor their lives and will remember them always.
There is also an article titled “Black-themed weekends of Pride and joy in Provincetown” by Irene Monroe in the print magazine. Trust me, you haven’t lived if you haven’t experienced the gayness that is Provincetown. If you’re lucky enough you just might run into John Waters at the bar in the A House. IYKYK!
I am always curious about other people’s coming-out stories. If you would like to share your coming-out story with Out in Jersey, please, do. Share the good, the bad and the ugly. We want to hear it all!
