#sc pride

[bunnybabyteef]

One of the only worthwhile, yet simultaneously odd thing, my state has ever done.

[negative-influence]

I want to remember my first pride

I never expected to be where i am today. I never thought that i would be gearing up to leave home, headed to the state university, in a relationship with someone so wonderful, or even something as simple as going to pride with said love. Even a year ago i would have told you "yes im gay but im not proud of it". I can remember so many times in my teen years where i would see out community members going to pride or starting families and i envied them. I would tell myself that it was enough that i knew i was bi, i would never act on it. I shamed myself for wanting to accept myself. I never dreamed I would be here.

October 5th 2019. I drove 2 hours early in the morning to the state capital where my girlfriend attends college. She did our make up before we headed out to our first pride. I bought a trans flag and tied it around my neck. My girlfriend cupped my face and told me i was handsome 😊. She held my hand, she kissed me, she hugged me. In public. We both felt so incredibly safe! For the first time in our lives we didnt feel like outcasts. Like a marvel to be gawked at. We were only part of the crowd. Almost unnoticed and unimportant. How sweet it was to just exist. I wish that i could remember every moment. Every person.

I want to remember the gay guy we passed on the sidewalk who clocked us holding hands from a few shops down, popped out his handheld fan, yelled "YAS GIRL" at us, and strutted past. I want to remember the young boy who wore a Free Sibling Hugs shirt who singled me out of the crowd, complimented my shirt, and told me about his kittens. I want to remember how sweet it was to see that he was there with his parents and he had trans and gay hearts painted on his cheeks. I want to remember that he had pink hair.

I want to remember the thrill of seeing the flags flying publicly. I want to remember the roar of the crowd in the street. I want to remember the fact that the featival took place in front of the state senate who ruled that we could not legally be married. Who ruled that we have no right to choose the bathroom we go into. The moderator yelling "Raise Some Hell" like a giant fuck you!

I want to remember the visibility, the security, i want to remember the joy

I want to remember the trans people, and the non binary people. I want to remember the older lesbians. I want to remember the vibrant teenagers. I want to remember the supportive parents. I want to remember the children. I want to remember the families who brought their children just for the experience and exposure. I want to remember the girl who was calling people to her booth advertising free hype. I want to remember the gay guy who was laughing at her and said to himself "i love lesbians."

I want to remember the tears in our eyes. The happiness that my girlfriend and i shared. The sadness that we couldnt bring this experience with us throughout our lives.

I want to remember her eyes like sun sets, her glitter and highlighter turning her into a living mermaid. I want to remember her glow.

I hope we all make it back safely next year!

[dabunnyvs]

We’re here we’re queer and we’re have a blast at pride!!!

[commander-vas-normandy]

I really wanna go to a pride this year, but I have no one to go with.

[intense-feel-ings]

Columbia, SC Pride // 10/20/17

[commandobandit]

Working on some stickers for my home state.

[acpruittphotography]

SC Pride Main Stage Columbia, SC

Photos taken October 5 2019

[hellafabhippie]

I went to SC Pride today and I am ready and willing to answer any questions you may have about the experience of seeing the headline act, Vanilla Ice.