Photo by Adriana Pelayo Rubio

While volunteering at Nellie’s booth at Pride this past weekend, more than once we received the comment “Thank you for being here.” While the comment could be have been chalked up to sticking it out in the heavy rain that ‘damp’ened (but did not dampen) celebrations, it was said and received within a much larger context of ‘sticking it out’ in the struggle for equity and empowerment. Nellie’s was there to advocate and in solidarity, rather than for the gratitude, but the importance of giving and receiving thanks was not lost on us.

Pride is an opportunity to celebrate community(ies) and connection but also to acknowledge the work that continues year round to create safe spaces and experiences. This is the work of places and communities like Nellie’s. Pride also provides an opportunity for pause amidst the celebrations to give thanks to the growing community of change makers and advocates, who acknowledge the history of Pride and continue to lead change. To those change makers, we say thank you.

Thank you for being part of an inclusive community.

Thank you for being willing and active participants in feminist action and education.

Thank you for continuing to speak up against homophobia, racism, sexism and classism.

Thank you for being catalysts for change within your communities.

Thank you for educating, for engaging in conversations and advocacy, and for building inclusive spaces.

Thank you for your patience and your practice.

Thank you for being here.

Here, in both the struggle and the celebration.

As this year’s Pride celebrations come to an end, Nellie’s continues to celebrate equity, feminism and a collective commitment to change. We recognize the strides being made, for example, last week’s US Supreme Court’s ruling on marriage equality, while standing firmly committed to breaking down the barriers that continue to exist for many in our community(ies). We do this willingly and whole-heartedly and with ever more gratitude for those who join us.

In solidarity and with much thanks,

Nellie’s