Forge Your Own Path: Celebrating Authentic Individuality This Pride Month

As we enter Pride season, I want to speak to those who don’t see themselves reflected in what’s often celebrated as “gay culture.” It’s completely natural to not embrace the norms presented as the default. If your interests, values, or perspective don’t align with the typical offerings marketed as community events— ad nauseam alcohol centered socializing, DJ and drag idolization, or chanting slogans—that’s okay. Not everyone identifies with those things, and that doesn’t make you any less valid.

It can be hard to see this because many who feel the same way are simply not visible. Let’s face it: they’re likely not at these events. But I promise you, there’s a vast, diverse population of gay and lesbian men and women who don’t fit into the branded community events, groupthink, or socializations often presented as “culture.” Instead, they’ve forged their own paths because they know who they are and are simply living life authentically.

As Carl Jung once said, “The meaning of my existence is that life has addressed a question to me. Or, conversely, I myself am a question which is addressed to the world, and I must communicate my answer, for otherwise I am dependent upon the world’s answer.”

It might feel isolating at times if you don’t seem to fit in with the crowd, but in the long run, you’ll find greater joy by following your own path rather than conforming to what others say is important or what it means to be gay or lesbian. I see you out there—pressing plants at the botanical garden, panning for gems in Montana, rolling puff pastry, rewiring houses, volunteering at an animal shelter, coaching sports, restoring vintage cars and so much more. You’ve found your way, no matter what.

♡ AJ