Hey everybody! So I recently signed up to volunteer as a Pride Parade participant to walk with the AIDS committee in my city. I've always wanted to go to a Pride Parade and see what it's like but now I'm getting nervous since i'm not only going there, but also walking in the parade. I have not come out to my homophobic family so if they ever saw me there on the news or even on the streets, I would not be able to justify myself with some excuse. It might be a slim chance that they would see me but I'm still worried. Also, I'm walking in that part of the parade alone with no friends to go with since I'm still closeted to them as well. Ahh I feel like if I were to walk in the Pride Parade, I would just feel/be awkward and paranoid.. Do you think I should just not participate?? Or is there a better solution/ brighter side to this situation? Thank you in advance for taking the time to read this!
I've never walked in a Pride Parade (or otherwize participated in any of the actual parts/events)...but I have attended Pride Festivals multiple times (and watched one parade). Like you I'm not out & have homophobic family members... I can say that I was nervous & worried before I went to the first one (yet excited at the same time too). Once I actually got there & stepped into crowds, not only did those nervous/worry feelings quickly & completely vanish, I actually felt like I belonged there as well.
Thanks everyone Hopefully I'll have enough courage to make friends there! I feel much better about it now, thanks again and have a nice day!
