This is a shout out to all the queer people (myself included) who hold back on expressing their pride as openly as others.
Some of us are only just discovering our queerness. Others are dealing with a lousy work environment. Many of us are just not in the right emotional space.
For some queerness presents a very real physical danger.
Maybe they’re in an abusive home, school, or state. They might have even been the target of “religious” hate crimes. Maybe they have a past trauma that is easily triggered.
So while expressing pride for some is a way of life and a duty? For others it’s a luxury they can’t yet afford.
Please be patient with us. Please show us acceptance. Don’t write us off, or put us down.
We hope to wave that banner with you some day, just not yet.
And for my fellow hesitant queers? It’s not just okay to go through life at your own pace, it’s vital.
Never kick yourself for taking your time. Never! Express pride however you can, even if it’s just in private.
—
Justin Hubbell is a cartoonist and freelance artist from upstate New York. In an attempt to serve the greater good, he aims to create volumes of work revolving around the social politics that govern our daily lives. He posts his cartoons weekly at justinhubbell.com. He has also been featured on The Good Men Project, UpWorthy, Digital America, Kabooooom, and submits comics regularly to local publications. He has no preferred pronouns, she is a unapologetic nerd.
Let's Queer Things Up! 
Reblogged this on Marci, Mental Health, & More and commented:
I still get a little hesitant when it comes to showing my pride.
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Pride takes time! Most of us weren’t taught pride growing up, it’s almost like learning a new language. The only thing I can say is I’m getting better and better at it, but I’m certainly not fluent yet :p
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Thank you for writing this. I grew up in an unsafe time and place to be queer. I’m glad to see it is a little better for my daughter, but I do feel a bit of fear for her when she is proudly waving her flag. I encourage her to do it anyway.
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You’re welcome. Glad to hear you got out of that situation! I’ve been startled myself to see young people throw caution to the wind when it comes to their pride, but I recognize it’s because of my life and what I went through. Ultimately it’s a great sign that your daughter expresses herself so openly 🙂
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Reblogged this on Many of us's blog and commented:
I have pride! I’m not afraid to show it!
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I’m glad! ^_^
Just don’t forget to extend your pride to others! ❤
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I rejoice in the fact that I live in a time and place where I can let my freak flag fly. I have been a flag twirler in my local pride parade and I try to live as a visible presence since I am comfortable doing so.
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It is such a blessing to have that support, and that confidence. We need more twirlers to inspire the rest of us! ❤
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I know you encourage a lot of people.
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If this comment was directed to me – I sure hope so! This is a guest post by Justin, so the accompanying text isn’t mine. 🙂
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