While these are dark days for our community, it is important to remain optimistic, and remember that we do not need a festival or a parade to celebrate our identities. Pride is more than just a holiday. It is also a state of mind, a connection to our inner truth, and our deep ties  to others in our community. Pride is holding our partner’s hand in public. Pride is correcting pronouns when someone in our community is mis-gendered. Pride is walking down the street, unafraid and unashamed. Every day we celebrate Pride by being our authentic selves and by feeling connected to members of our community and chosen family