As someone with deep roots in North Idaho, I’m well aware of the local antipathy toward sexual minorities. But I’m also aware, firsthand, that that is exactly why Pride is needed, despite people like George Silva and Wayne Meucci feeling Pride Month is “a month too much.”

Pride Month strikes them as inescapable overexposure, images of people they have nothing in common with being “everywhere,” making them uncomfortable. If a single month causes them this much distress, imagine what life is like for those of us who are LGBTQ+, surrounded constantly by images of people we have nothing in common with being everywhere. Advertising, government, taxation, public policy, public toilets, lodging, travel — literally every aspect of life assumes cis-gendered heterosexuality by default, with imagery to match.

We exist. We have always existed. We will continue to exist, without shame or guilt (which is all “Pride” is about). It is not our responsibility to be silent or invisible so you can remain comfortable.

AELGYRR SONSTEGARD

Seattle