Pride

(noun)
1. the quality, state or feeling of being proud .
2. a high opinion of one's own dignity, importance, superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing or conduct.
3. confidence and self-respect as expressed by members of a group, typically one that has been socially marginalized, on the basis of their shared identity, culture, and experience.

(cardinal sin)
1. Latin, superbia
2. considered the original and most serious of the seven deadly sins.
3. also thought to be the source of the other cardinal sins.

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I love diversity, the positive stance against discrimination, and everything that Pride stands for; but I've been thinking about why this particular word was chosen to represent the LGBTIQ movement.

Was it to mock the churches?
Same-sex relationships seem to be a sin in most religions.
They've spent so much time condemning us.
Some of us were even killed, in the name of a higher power.
Maybe Pride wasn't the worst sin.
Perhaps Prejudice should be.

Or was it because Pride is the opposite of Shame?
That we should no longer feel ashamed of who we are.
Because Shame is not all that we're worth.
Because Pride will not give permission to Shame.
Pride will not give permission to Hate.
Because Love has no gender.
And although it is okay to be different;
We are not different.

Happy Pride Month.