WHO IS YOUR
HERO?
It’s a question we’ve likely been
asked countless times since
childhood. Whether a family
member, a movie star, a pro
athlete or numerous others, a hero
was always someone we looked up to.
We lived in awe, and perhaps aspired
to be just like them.
This year as we celebrate the 15th
anniversary of Come Out With Pride,
we want to recognize a diff erent
type of hero: YOU. The everyday
hero. The person who helps make
a diff erence in the lives of other
LGBTQ+ individuals.
We’re not talking about
superheroes here — no fl ying or
superhuman strength necessary
— but rather the desire to do the
right thing. Being an advocate to a
coworker who just came out to the
offi ce or is starting their transition
journey. Donating resources to
organizations combating teenage
homelessness. Writing your senator
to push for equality. Overcoming
the stigma by sharing a moment and
perhaps a lifetime with someone who
is positive and undetectable.
For those who may fi nd themselves
in hardship and at a roadblock, you
can be a friend and help lift them up.
You can be their hero.
In 2019 we also recognized June as
the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall
riots in NYC. To the younger
generation who may be reading this,
know that there have been countless
heroes before you who have helped
pave the way to the progress we enjoy
today. Other generations will likely
know many of them. At this year’s
Pride, we honor those individuals,
especially those in Orlando, who have
fought and worked tirelessly through
the years.
There is so much work left to
do. As you enjoy this year’s parade,
festival and week of events, take a
moment to contribute and give back.
You truly can be a hero.
Yours in Pride,
JEFF
PRYSTAJKO
BOARD PRESIDENT
COME OUT WITH PRIDE 2019 7