By: Jordan James
Pride Month is a time to celebrate our identities, honor our history, and assert our rights. It’s a vibrant and powerful reminder of the progress we’ve made and the challenges we still face. However, sometimes Pride isn’t just about the parades and celebrations—it’s about making difficult choices and taking stands, even when it feels like you’re standing alone.
In April of 2023, I made the painful decision to pull my TV show (Good Deeds Buffalo) from a local television station. This wasn’t a decision I made lightly. It came after the station’s owner made public hate-filled, anti-LGBTQ+ comments that remain on his social media platform. As a long-time LGBTQ+ advocate, I couldn’t, in good conscience, continue my association with an entity that promotes hate and intolerance.
This decision was fraught with personal and professional risks. It jeopardized my career and even my personal safety, as death and physical threats poured in. But standing up for what’s right often comes with costs. The LGBTQ+ movement is built on the courage of individuals who risked EVERYTHING to pave the way for a more inclusive society. From the Stonewall Riots to today’s battles for equal rights, progress has always required bold, sometimes solitary, stands.
In taking this step, I was reminded of an essential truth: Sometimes in life, you will have to take a stand. Not everyone will stand with you. In fact, you might find yourself more isolated than ever. But if you believe in the cause, if you know in your heart that it’s the right thing to do, then taking that stand is worth every risk.
Yet, it’s equally important to recognize that not every fight must be yours to lead. If you choose not to engage in a particular battle, that’s okay too. Advocacy and activism take many forms. Supporting friends, educating others, or simply living your truth can be powerful acts of resistance. We all have different capacities and thresholds for conflict and risk. The key is to contribute in ways that align with your strengths and circumstances.
Our community needs both the bold voices that lead the charge and the quieter ones that provide support and solidarity. Both roles are crucial. The true spirit of Pride is not just in the loud declarations, but also in the silent, steadfast presence of those who stand by our side, in every way they can.
As we celebrate Pride, let’s honor the diversity of our community— not just in our identities but in our ways of contributing to the cause. Let’s support those who take visible stands and those who fight their battles more quietly. Remember, the path to equality and acceptance is paved by both the marches in the streets and the silent, daily acts of courage and kindness.
In the end, Pride is about living authentically and standing up for love and acceptance, whether that means taking a public stand or supporting those who do. Each act, no matter how small, contributes to the larger movement. Together, we create the mosaic of resistance and resilience that defines our community. Happy Pride Month. Stand tall, live proudly, and support each other in every way possible.