Name: Sarah
Location: Burien, WA
I Identify as…. Lesbian
What does Pride mean to you?
Pride is about being your authentic self regardless of where you live, work or play. In all areas of existence, having pride is critical to living a full and authentic life.
How do you identify, and how do you see yourself within the LGBTQIA+ community?
Societal labeling confines place me in the lesbian category of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, however, I would really rather label myself as a woman who loves her wife, daughter, and family. I am fiercely loyal human who is protective, compassionate, resilient, and a constant work in progress.
When did you first attend a Pride event? Can you share that experience?
My first Gay Pride was in New York City when I was 16 years old (1999). I was walking out of a Duane Reade in lower Manhattan when I ran into then-Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton and her security detail near Christopher Street. She was gracious, kind and wonderful as I snapped a few photos and walked alongside the parade on cobblestone streets toward the festival. There was a feeling of pure love and acceptance in the air that day and I remember the city feeling like one community. I absolutely loved being a part of that for the first time in the center of it all (and I went every year until I moved to Seattle in 2005).
How do you feel when you attend LGBTQIA+ events like Pride?
I’ve been on many different sides of Pride throughout the years. I founded The Seattle Lesbian, LLC, in 2010, then Seattle Women’s Pride in 2012, and announced the Seattle Pride Parade at what would become known as the “Lesbian Corner” (Denny and 7-11) for a few years as well. At one point, I served on the board of SO&P. Later, I was selected as grand marshal alongside my colleague and former White House staffer Gautam Raghavan. While all of this was incredible (I wouldn’t change it for the world), pride means something a little more subtle to me now. Instead of putting all of my energy outward leading up to and during that long (and rewarding) day, I opt for quiet and internal reflection on all we’ve gained – and all we’ve lost. I’m not 20 years old anymore going to festivities all month; I’m 43 and my heart is a little tired. So right now pride means slowing down, taking stock in what’s truly important, and recharging. I take a lot of pride in what I’ve built – and what it’s cost.
What is the importance to you that Pride represents?
Pride is a representation of all of us; it matters when we see others like ourselves, especially when just coming out. Finding your truth and honoring it surrounded by people who you can relate to is monumental in and of itself. I believe it’s especially important for younger generations to learn about their histories and gain a sense of where they land in the trajectory of our community’s struggles and successes. Pride isn’t just a huge pasty party. It’s an earned reminder and celebration of where we’ve been and where we have left to go for equality.
When talking about community, how has it impacted your life?
Community changes as we do, but one constant is that living authentically, you will always find your tribe.
What can we do as a community to bring us together more and make us stronger?
We come together best as a community when we truly listen to one another and help carry the weight instead of throwing stones at people and situations we don’t understand. If I could encourage and inspire members of the LGBTQ+ community to put their biases aside and show up for each other, I’d consider that a major milestone.
How do you see our community transforming in the next 5 to 10 years?
It’s hard to say where we will be as a community in 5-10 years, but I have hope that we will get through these trying times together and be stronger for it.
What comments do you have for the other letters of our community (L)(G)(B)(T)(Q)(I)(A)(+)?
“You are all beautiful, strong, capable, and magnificent. Keep going – and reach out and help the others who can’t.”
