Opinion: My First Pride Month in Canada

I’ve never been to a pride parade, but have always wanted to. Since I had been living in Lebanon for the past 10 years, it wasn’t possible to attend one. Every year, a group of activists try to set up the parade, but get stopped. The reasons are security forces not allowing such an event to take place, as well as fear of extremists intersecting the parade and causing violence. This is my first year in Canada during Pride Month. During this month, I felt a sense of freedom and safety knowing that I live in a country where such events are celebrated every year.

Coming from the Middle East, gender and sexuality are always taboo subjects. No one talks about them, and if they do, it always involves bashing people that belong to a minority group. Identifying as a queer person or trying to come out to your loved ones is a hard thing to do in Lebanon. Don’t get me wrong, there are many safe spaces and communities, but that also means that people don’t feel safe to speak up and act however they would like to unless they are within the perimeters of these safe spaces and/or communities.

What amazed me the most when I moved to Canada was that everyone felt free to be whoever they want to be, dress however they liked, and love whomever they want to love. These instances existed in Lebanon, but within safe spaces, not out in the open like in Toronto. This freedom to be who you want to be without social pressures is liberating — and that’s how it should be all over the world.

I've always believed that sexuality is fluid, and love is love. I find myself lucky to be living in a place that respects individuals’ freedoms. I am also able to acknowledge that just because our policies may support LGBTQIA+ people, this doesn’t mean we’re always supported by family, friends, and some of the communities we may be part of. Coming out as queer is a gentle balance between becoming the person you want to be and managing safety within the circles you may travel in. If nervous and uncertain of where to start, reaching out to a trusted and safe friend might be the place to begin. If this isn’t possible, then connecting with a third party (like a therapist) may be the best alternative. Overall, the celebration of each unique individual is important, and being able to live out a truly authentic life is a privilege.