Rainbow Flags Everywhere, Hate Nowhere

Less than a year ago, I was, without a doubt, significantly less conscious and aware of others' ways of life, especially those in the LGBTQIA+ community. This was due to being sheltered away in my predominantly white suburban neighborhood for over 18 years. I did not get out much, and I was not curious enough to explore the unknown, so I became incredibly unaware of the larger world as well as people around me. However, my world would be turned upside down and inside out thanks to none other than my truly one of a kind girlfriend, Rachal Joelle Hamilton. Not only has she granted me immense knowledge of the minority communities in our nation, but also the genuine curiosity to learn more as well as a sincere quest to be an ally to all. Rachal is my better half and has been continuously driving me to become a kinder, caring person since day one. And one of our first plans as a couple would become the turning point that I desperately needed to open my mind up: attending the wonderfully inclusive environment that is a pride festival. It is universally known that the best way to widen your understanding of others' ways of life is by immersing yourself in their environment, to be vulnerable, so that's exactly what I did on that fateful day.

It was the summer right after high school ended, mid-July, when Rachal and I, accompanied by her school friends, decided to attend San Diego's annual pride festival, so it was a typical sunny day great for celebrating life in the outdoors. Although the weather was inviting and my girlfriend, as well as her friends, were encouraging, I was still decently anxious about how people in the LGBTIA+ community would perceive me entering their safe space. Would they accept me or question my presence? Not to mention, I was worried about how I would feel once I was in their safe space. Would I accept them or let my last self's ignorance overwhelm my senses? Despite this internal conflict, I was determined to prove to my girlfriend as well as myself that I can and want to become more inclusive, conscious, along with respectful in my actions.

Once our merry group reached the entrance, we were greeted with enormous semi-circular arrangements of colorful balloons meant to represent the LGBTQIA+ flag. Those in the community or allies could pose for eye-catching Instagram pictures at its opening section or use it as a walkway that transported you to a mindset of inclusiveness, self-love, and celebration. Walking through that beautiful art piece made me feel at peace with where I was and truly compelled me to embrace the insightful as well as enjoyable experience that being at pride is. Those primordial fears I had held in my chest simply melted away in an instant because I realized this place was a safe place for all. Things only looked up from that moment onward.

There was so much fun to be had after I accepted the noble cause that is behind every pride festival and the LGBTQIA+ as a whole: being comfortable in one's own skin and establishing a welcoming, diverse community. The entertainment ranged from a fabulous drag queen show to blood pumping DJ performances over hype R&B songs to a dance floor with Latino music to a full-blown concert under the stars for the indie-pop artist, King Princess. That experience was one of the most thrilling days in my life, and I am so incredibly glad I allowed myself to be vulnerable because now my eyes are open.