Pride Month might be over, but my pride never ends. And with the Fourth of July here, I’ve been thinking a lot about the deep connection between Pride and Patriotism. Not the flag-waving or party-line versions, but the kind rooted in truth, struggle and love.
For me, Pride has never been about rainbow capitalism, parades, or hashtags. It has always been something deeper. It’s the quiet confidence that comes from years of learning to love who you are. It’s about the memories of hard times and the people who stood with me through them. It’s about knowing where we’ve been and where we still need to go. Pride has taught me resilience. It has taught me compassion. It has taught me that authenticity is more important than fitting in.
And honestly, that sounds a lot like Patriotism to me.
Patriotism isn’t something you have to prove. It isn’t a contest. It’s the act of believing in the promise of this country enough to demand that it live up to its ideals — liberty and justice for all. Loving your country doesn’t mean you agree with everything it does. It doesn’t mean you need to wrap yourself in a flag and shout the loudest. Sometimes it simply means believing that this place can be better and working toward that every day.
Somewhere along the way, we also forgot that Patriotism used to mean something as simple as paying your fair share. There was a time when people saw paying taxes as part of their duty to their country and their neighbors. It wasn’t about politics. It was about making sure roads got built, schools stayed open, and communities had what they needed to thrive. Patriotism wasn’t about what you could get, instead, it was about what you could give.
Just like Pride, Patriotism comes from a place of love. It isn’t owned by one political party, one flag, or one ideology. It’s something that comes from wanting the best for your community and the people around you. It means standing up for those who are different from you. It also means having the courage to speak out when things are wrong and the heart to listen to the people you disagree with.
My Pride taught me how to love myself. My Patriotism demands I fight for a country that does the same.
The truth is, I can hold a rainbow flag in one hand and the stars and stripes in the other hand. Both mean something to me, and both deserve to be seen, protected, and celebrated.
So as the fireworks go off this week, I’m celebrating more than just America’s Independence. I’m also celebrating the independence from the fear of being myself, fear of being rejected, fear of not fitting-in. I’m also celebrating the ongoing journey to make this country more inclusive, more honest, and more free. Because loving America doesn’t mean ignoring its flaws, it means having the courage to help it grow.
Pride didn’t end in June. And Patriotism isn’t just for one kind of person or one month. They’re intertwined and woven together in the fabric of our nation. And, they belong to all of us.
So this week, as you watch the fireworks or spend time with loved ones, take a moment to ask yourself — what does your version of Pride and Patriotism look like? And more importantly, how can you carry both with you, every single day?