Day 9 - What do you think about LGBT Pride? Is it helpful or hurtful? Encouraged or unnecessary?
There has been recent debate in the Maldivian LGBT community about the importance of pride. There are those who think it’s hurtful and unnecessary while others think its helpful and should be encouraged.
I understand how it could be hurtful for those who are afraid to come out because of their family/friends/society or whatever have you (its often the usual suspects) and therefore unnecessary to provoke any confrontation. I will never, or will ever, tell you to do something that could potentially jeopardise their lives from your point of view.
Pride is a declaration.
Personally, I was really lucky to have met other out and proud people earlier on in my life. They really encouraged me to be myself and want to continue to be true to myself. I have never been more free.
For those of you who still in the closet, which is most, I urge you please to re-evaluate your lives and your stance in it. Ask yourselves this question. Happiness; how important is that to you? You need not be a slave to your mind.
