Be Prideful and HOLD ON!

Be Prideful and HOLD ON!

Omar Goodwin 

Showing up as a queer Brown person in everyday life can be challenging. Showing up as a queer Brown person while doing this work can be even more so.

In these turbulent times, we are not only confronted with attempts at erasure, but also with questions about how we show up in professional and personal spaces. Too often, we feel pressure to make ourselves smaller, worry that our complexion may offend others, to temper our charisma, or to hide parts of ourselves for fear of being seen as “too much.” We carry the weight of representation every day while doing work that matters deeply.

We want to fight for all survivors. We want to advocate, educate, and create change. Yet we often find ourselves balancing that mission with the challenge of simply being ourselves in spaces that do not always make room for us.

To my fellow queer folx: do not forget who you are during these turbulent times. Remember that we have survived worse. We survived having to hide who we are. We survived hearing sermons, cheers, and conversations that told us we did not belong when all we were trying to do was exist. We survived being overlooked, underestimated, and chosen last, even though we are often the friends, colleagues, and community members who consistently show up when others need us most.

Stand strong. Stand firm. Hold on to joy, and embrace your pride, even when it feels difficult. Not just this month, but throughout the months and years to come.

You come from a resilient people. Your existence is worthy of celebration, your voice matters, and your presence makes our communities stronger.

Happy Pride from all of us at NCCASA.

Omar Godwin

Prevention Education Program Manager