Sometimes the word pride is associated with a glowing, crowing satisfaction in something that has been achieved. People take pride in their awards or their bank accounts. People feel pride in their children or their résumés.
But that isn’t all that pride is. As with many words, there are other definitions.
Pride is also an awareness of someone’s own worth. It’s a personal acknowledgement of your own self-esteem.
Then there is Pride, the annual celebration of LGBTQ identity. It occurs in June, commemorating the Stonewall riots in New York in 1969.
The rainbow LGBTQ banner has become contentious in recent years amid rising political tension. This year, Anheuser-Busch has faced backlash over an advertising partnership with trans social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. Target has produced an annual collection of Pride-themed merchandise for 11 years; it is sparking tempers and videos.
In Southwestern Pennsylvania, there has been impact. Sales of Bud Light, the Mulvaney-campaign beer, dipped dramatically, according to distributors. That carried over to affect a fundraiser for the family of murdered Brackenridge police Chief Justin McIntire.
Then there is Pittsburgh Pride Revolution, an event that celebrates its 50th anniversary today. It is part of four days of parties, music and the parade that started it all. What was originally a protest has grown to a festival atmosphere with a long list of supporters, including the Pirates, Penguins and Steelers.
It is to be expected that not everyone will agree with the event. But how much of that is about people confusing the definitions? Are they mixing up being alive and unbroken with being boastful and arrogant?
This Pride is not about a flashy car or a bank account or a trophy. It isn’t about anyone claiming superiority.
This Pride is about that other meaning — the feeling of self-worth and dignity that makes someone comfortable within their own skin.
That is something everyone should feel — and celebrate — regardless of identity.
