We've been celebrating GLBT Pride during the summer months for a couple of decades now. The first Pride parade that I had ever attended was held in June. I remember it clearly. It was a blazing summer day in the city of Boston. I had never seen a city come alive in such a colorful way before. Streets were blocked off, rainbow colors were everywhere, and there were thousands upon thousands of GLBT people expressing their individuality. I remember thinking that it was much like a country fair, only with a GLBT twist. It was a festive time, a weekend full of events to just kick back and be "out" with the city's full support. I felt prideful, but often wondered why we couldn't just feel pride in ourselves all year long. Why did we need a lavish parade to prove a point? I also struggled with finding where I fit into the Pride scene because I knew I wasn't as outrageous or as outspoken as others.

I've been to more than a few Pride parades over the years (if you've never been to Toronto Pride - it's a must). But I have to admit that I've had my fill. I think that it's something that every GLBT individual should experience at some point in his or her life. But I have also reached a point where I feel that I don't need to express myself in that way anymore. I'm not the type of individual to wave a rainbow flag wherever I go, or stand on the steps of City Hall protesting at a political rally. It's not that I don't support change, it's just not me. It's not my style. I'm not much of a protester ... in any regard. I believe that change happens over time, when it is supposed to happen.

Protesting is wasted energy. I'd rather show my support and contribute to the GLBT community by spending time talking about the positive side of things with a high school or college GSA group instead. When we focus on all of the things that are lacking in the GLBT community, we tend to get lost in the negativity. So I choose to focus on the positive changes that have already taken place and know that there are many more on the horizon.

As for Pride, I've got plenty. But like my support of certain GLBT political and social issues, I choose to express it in a different way. I feel as though being true to myself every moment of every day is the best course of action. Rather than celebrate myself one weekend of the year, I choose to celebrate myself all year long. It's nice and all that Obama has dedicated a whole month to us GLBT folk. But it's not going to make much difference in my every day life. I take pride in myself for many different reasons, including my sexuality. I think everyone should ... gay or straight.

Someday I'll venture out to another Pride parade, whether it's just to get out and enjoy the festivities or to hang out with some friends. I'll kick back and take it all in just like before - all the good and all the crazy. But this time I'll know that I don't need to act a certain way, or wave around a rainbow flag in order to fit in. I'll know that all I have to do is be myself.

And I can take Pride in that.