What is gay pride?

When you understand your sexual orientation and gender identity at a young age, feel safe in telling friends and family members—and feel proud of who you are—you could feel a huge sense of empowerment.

Because of shared experiences, groups sometimes develop their own community and culture. For many lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) people of all ages, being a member of any of these communities can make them feel like they belong and have support for being themselves.

This sense of community is often called “gay pride” or sometimes simply “pride.” It applies to lesbian, gay and bisexual people. When it refers to transgender people, it may be referred to as “trans pride.” As more and more transgender people are finding each other, they are building their own community, and with it, their own sense of pride in being who they are.

So while there are many challenges for LGBTQ people, there are also many wonderful things. Everyone should be able to express and celebrate who they are!