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The concept of “gay pride” emerged as a civilian battle cry for equal treatment. Like the rainbow that symbolizes this unity, all types of colorful people and personalities have banned together in the name of human decency. For many, this unity empowers them to be who they are without fear. What gives a person pride?
Self Esteem
So many variables play a role in your self-esteem, but being content with who you are and improving yourself in areas that can be, and should be, changed play the biggest roles in self-esteem. Achievements yield confidence, which in turn yields contentment and motivation for growth. In many cases, self-esteem can be simply improved by facing the fears of and becoming more comfortable with who you are.
Dignity
Knowing you deserve to be treated with respect plays an important role in pride. The United States was founded on equality for all people, in theory at least. Every human deserves that equality.
Virtue
“Love virtue, and the people will be virtuous. The virtues of a superior man are like the wind; the virtues of a common man are like the grass — the grass, when the wind passes over it, bends.” Henry David Thoreau… Virtue is basically doing the right thing, what you feel in your heart is right. Many men have defined, and sometimes rather badly at that, morality based on their own perceptions, interpretation, and temptations. Virtue does not define what is right. It simply asks you do what you believe is the right thing.
Pride yields respect. If you have pride for yourself, the community around you respects you. Empower your movement with pride.
