What Pride Means to Erin (she/her)
With the end of Pride Month for another year, it’s the perfect opportunity to reflect on why this month mattered to so many people. One of our volunteers, Erin*, shared how she experienced Pride Month and what she learnt along the way.
Erin has been volunteering for Out For Australia since early 2020. As a member of the communications team, she has been able to network with many people and see how different people share and celebrate their identities and sexuality. Since Erin had never been a part of LGBTQIA+ organisation before, it was a great opportunity for her to connect with like-minded individuals and learn from them. It led to her actively participating in Pride for the first time this year as she shares her story.
‘I’m generally a secretive person. I’d rather people not know my favourite colour or food, and I feel like my sexuality is a part of that,’ Erin explains. ‘I’m also an introvert so the idea of going to events with too many people doesn’t interest me. However, none of this is mandatory for Pride. To me, Pride is simply about being comfortable with who you are and taking control of your story.’
Erin is asexual and biromantic. Born in the mid-‘90s, she has been fortunate enough to grow up in a changing society where LGBTQIA+ has become more accepted over the years. Even her asexuality, which was once unheard of, is becoming recognised due to the work of incredible people who have come before her.
People who once would have felt alone now belong to a community, and Pride is their opportunity to celebrate that community.
Pride has been growing around the world and within Australia. It started out as a protest fighting for human rights, and while this is still a part of it, it is also a festive time where we recognise how far we have come.
‘People who once would have felt alone now belong to a community, and Pride is their opportunity to celebrate that community,’ says Erin.
It is a chance for people to experience their pride in their own way, whether it be at a pride parade, or just catching up on the latest LGBTQIA+ media. With the increase of representation in pop culture, it’s becoming easier to find the stories that you want.
‘I may have “accidentally” stayed up until 3am to binge-watch the new season of The Umbrella Academy. I prefer stories where LGBTQIA+ stories are just an aspect of it and not the entire plot. The way they incorporate Elliot Page’s transition into the story was just lovely.'
The representation can have a ripple effect. What was once made to be a secret is now mainstream, and helps build understanding and acceptance.
Just because Pride Month is over for another year doesn’t mean we can’t have that same confidence and pride going forward. You can lead the change by affecting policy in your community or workplace, or creating events that welcome people of any gender or sexuality. Even being interviewed for this blog post has given Erin the opportunity to share her story in a way that is meaningful to her.
‘I don’t think I will ever be the type of person to emcee an event and discuss my life in detail. However, this opportunity to share how I treat Pride Month and my relationship with my sexuality empowers me. It reminds me that my way is valid, and I don’t have to feel bad for not doing more.’
*Name changed to protect privacy.
Out For Australia offers many opportunities for people who want to get involved. For example, our in-person events allow you to connect with others and learn from the panel. These events are also available online for those who are interested in the discussion but unable to attend the event. Out For Australia also has roles available for those who are looking to volunteer, which you can access through our website.