As Pride Month begins, I’ve been thinking about what it really means to me—especially as a transgender woman, a former US Marine Sergeant, and someone who leans conservative on many issues.
For me, Pride isn’t just about rainbows or parades although they are so much fun! It’s about honoring the courage it takes to live authentically, no matter where you come from or what your beliefs are.
The courage to be honest…
My journey taught me that true strength comes from being honest about who you are—even when it’s hard, even when not everyone agrees. Courage is about facing fear head on and doing it anyway.
I’m proud of my service to my country. I’m proud of my story. And I’m proud to stand with so many others who show that love of country and love of self aren’t at odds. I’m proud of who and what I am. Often misunderstood, true, but this will change, one person at a time.
As a country, we have a ways to go, but just as my journey of becoming will never end, so too will the country I love ever be a work in progress. This idea of liberty and freedom is for all, including those like me, will never end.
To me, Pride is about respect—respect for ourselves, and for each other.
No matter your background or politics, we all deserve to live honestly and with dignity.
That’s what Pride means to me.
Happy Pride Month!
Dr. Gwen Patrone
6 Responses
I think a lot of us—especially those of us still figuring out where we fit—need reminders like this. That Pride isn’t just celebration and sparkle (though I do love a good glitter moment), it’s also about courage. About showing up as yourself, even when you’re scared. Even when it doesn’t feel like you’ve “earned” it yet.
As someone who hasn’t transitioned but still identifies as trans, Pride can feel… complicated. Like I’m not sure if I belong, or if I’m “trans enough” to claim it. Some days, I don’t even feel proud. But maybe just being honest, even in the messy in-between, is something to be proud of. Even if I don’t feel it yet.
Michelle, thank you for being such a shining contributor to our community!
Thank you so much! 💖 Honestly, reading everyone’s stories here has been such a huge source of comfort and inspiration. It’s helped me realize I’m not alone—and gave me the courage to start sharing my own story on my blog too. I just wish I could contribute even more.
Without poaching from your blog, please feel free to run anything you want to bring to this audience from you blog here.
We do that often; and we only exist by the grace of Femulate’s click overs.
Feel free to reach out through the Contact page if you would like. ❤️
Michelle ,
Why worry if you’re ” trans” enough who can really answer that question who has the right ? It no longer concerns me I’m just ME , Teresa getting on with life .
I do feel guilty never having attended a pride gathering , my feelings are we should try and stand alone , being transgender is about gender not sexuality and I’m less and less comfortable with the Q label , to me it’s not queer to transition it’s more a readjustment of my life to gain normality .
You’re absolutely right, Teresa. No one else gets to define who we are or how “enough” we are. I know that in my head—and honestly, I admire the peace you’ve found with it. That’s where I want to be too.
But I’ll admit… there’s still this deep-rooted shame I haven’t fully shaken yet. I’m working on it. Some days are better than others. But hearing stories like yours gives me hope that maybe I’ll get there too. 💜