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PRIDE

  • Writer: kiehart
    kiehart
  • Jun 5
  • 2 min read

Hello Friends!


WOW! June is already here. And since it’s PRIDE month, it wouldn’t feel like me to let it pass without saying a few words.


As many of you are aware, Eileen and I have been living in Washington State since 2018. We chose Washington for several reasons: mountains nearby, the Pacific Ocean an hour’s drive west, the Canadian border to the north, and the inland waterways of Puget Sound. And then there’s the surrounding landscape—lush, green, and quietly affirming.


Mostly, however, we chose Washington because it allows us to live our marriage—and our lives—with authenticity and ease. 


Washington State—especially Olympia—is a place where visibility, safety, and celebration are part of everyday life, not just something reserved for one month a year. The state’s long‑standing commitment to LGBTQ+ rights, from comprehensive anti‑discrimination laws to inclusive healthcare protections, creates a foundation where people don’t just feel tolerated—they feel welcomed.


June’s PRIDE celebrations spill beyond the big cities of Seattle, Tacoma, and Spokane. Small towns, libraries, parks, and community groups join in, turning PRIDE into a statewide expression of belonging.


The Pacific Northwest’s culture of openness also plays a role. Washingtonians tend to value individuality, creativity, and community care, making it easier for people to show up as themselves without apology. PRIDE month here isn’t only about parades; it’s about storytelling, art, activism, and intergenerational connection. You’ll find queer‑owned bookstores hosting readings, tribal communities uplifting Two‑Spirit voices, and local organizations offering support and education.


For a lot of LGBTQ+ people, the parades and celebrations aren’t about making a big deal—they’re about finally getting to exist openly in a world that hasn’t always made room for them. PRIDE started as a protest, and for many people, it’s still the one time they feel fully safe and visible. You don’t have to love the parades, but they matter to the people who’ve spent years being told to stay quiet.


PRIDE is the one month many LGBTQ+ folk don’t have to shrink themselves. The parades might look loud, but they come from a long history of being told to be invisible.


It’s joy after survival.

 

Thanks for reading my postings. For more short reads: www.judykiehart.com/postings


Take advantage of Calico Lane, now on sale through Amazon! https://www.amazon.com/Calico-Lane-breaking-through-cultural/dp/B0DT9GPP9Z


Happy PRIDE!

Judy


 
 
 

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Rohagman
Jun 05
Rated 5 out of 5 stars.

I look forward to Judy’s monthly postings. Truly inspirational! What a gift Judy has! And to Eileen, her wife, who loves her unconditionally! Love you both!

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September Post

September isn't just a Month--it's a Mindset

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Photo: Monarch Pass, Colorado, September

Let me begin with a quote that captures the quiet magic of this month: “September tries its best to have us forget summer.” – Bernard Williams.

 

There’s something bittersweet about September. It’s not loud with excitement and energy like July or with sparkle and shine like December. It whispers. It reminds us that change is approaching—and change can inspire personal reflection.

 

In the Northern Hemisphere, September marks the end of summer and the beginning of autumn. The days grow shorter, the air turns crisp, and trees begin their slow, spectacular transformation. Leaves shift from green to gold, amber, and crimson—nature’s final fireworks before winter’s hush.

 

September teaches us that slowing down doesn’t mean stopping—it means preparing. Families switch into school mode. Farmers begin their harvest. Animals start their migration or gather food for the colder months.

 

September is a quieter month. The rush of summer fades, and the frenzy of the holidays hasn’t yet begun. There’s time to think. To breathe.

 

I’ve always found September to be a time of clarity--my 'chill' month. It’s when I take stock of my goals, reconnect with my values, and prepare for the final stretch of the year. For me, it’s about recalibration.

 

So what is September, really? It’s a month of balance, of beauty, of quiet transformation. Observe the changes that surround you each day. Be reminded that change doesn’t have to be loud to be powerful.

 

As we move through this month, I invite you to let go of what no longer serves you. And prepare, with purpose, for what’s to come.

 

 

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