would the Trojans show up at Pride in California? a first-rate team in one of the most beloved sports. the undeniable pride of their university, their state, and, more importantly: a team that, at one point or another, became a refuge for broken queer kids. a place where people learned that their existence was not a mistake, not a flaw, not proof that they couldn’t play or couldn’t succeed—because apparently it’s easier to make it in professional sports if you stay straight (sponsored by one Kevin Day). a team that proves queer people belong in sports. that they can be the best. that they can stand in front of a younger generation and show them that there is nothing to fear and nothing to be ashamed of in who they are. so yes. on a float large enough, for once, to hold every Trojan at the same time, you can spot Laila spinning Cat by the hand as another song blasts from the speakers surrounding them. Xavier and Min pause to kiss while taking a picture together, the crowd stretching out behind them. Cody’s fingers are laced through Ananya’s, while Pat keeps an arm wrapped around her waist, pulling her closer. and then there’s Jeremy. already soaked through, he keeps trying to shield Jean with his own body from the streams of water guns that seem determined to hit them directly. Jean keeps telling him the water pressure is barely anything, that nothing terrible is going to happen to him. but Jeremy stays stubbornly planted in front of him anyway. eventually, Jean gives in and accepts the help. he wraps his arms around Jeremy from behind, holding him close while Jeremy happily soaks up the ticklish kisses pressed to his cheeks and freckled shoulders. and somewhere in the middle of all the music, the laughter, and the crowds, Jeremy realizes something: for the first time, Jean is the partner who doesn’t hide him. the first partner who isn’t silent about his existence. the first partner who isn’t afraid to say it out loud. Jean only pulls him closer, letting everyone around them see exactly what they are to each other. and for once, neither of them has any reason to look away.