It was the first time I'd really been to any pride event, other than a trans-informational workshop put on by SPECTRUM, the Rochester Institute of Technology's Deaf LGBT group. Simply put, a pride parade with thousands of people is a bit different than a classroom of about twenty-five.
There were probably around thirty groups that marched in the parade, from LGBT groups to Kink groups to LGBT-friendly churches, and even a few supportive local politicians looking to get their face on a great cause.
Being among thousands of LGBT-supportive people was...incredibly comforting. I didn't grow up bullied or beaten down (too much) for who I am, but I've existed for many years in a conservative part of the state where there is an inherent closet for LGBT. Most go about their business without giving much of a hint to their orientation, and while that is fine, being in an atmosphere where that orientation was brought to the forefront in a positive way was a completely different feeling, one that I will not soon forget.
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