19 7 / 2009
Pride and friends and stuff…
Phew, the weekend is over. I am utterly exhausted, my back is killing me, and my scalp is sunburned - but it was such an awesome weekend. This was my FIRST San Diego Pride, and it was everything I wanted it to be. I love seeing all the same sex couples, all the genderqueer and transgender people of all ages, all of the parents out supporting their gay children, all the little kids there with two dads or moms, or one of each. It’s so fascinating to me to see just how diverse people are. In Minnesota, it felt like there were the straight white people and then the random scattering of blacks and Asians in different schools and neighborhoods. If someone was gay, you hardly knew it because they didn’t let anyone know. Our Pride event was so small in comparison, but still so beautiful. And while my parents sure don’t approve of the lifestyle - I am so happy that I live in San Diego now and have had my eyes opened to the diversity. It’s like all of a sudden I am surrounded by people who think the way I do and love each other for their differences and not just in spite of them. Pride is such a positive event. It was also great to see the Bisexuals represented at Pride, because being someone who doesn’t necessarily identify as “bi”, (I prefer pansexual), it’s a segment you rarely hear about in legitimate events like this.
I did make one realization this weekend though after seeing the groups of people having fun. I need more friends. And not just any friends, but people who love and appreciate the LGBT culture as much as I do. Almost all of the friends I have in San Diego moved away. I love Luke to death, but it’s always just him and I. I don’t have girlfriends that I can just call up and do whatever with. I don’t have a regular group of people who goes out to dinner or out for wine, or to events together. I’m a busy person without much time, but I still feel like I need more close friends. Making friends is so much harder than I remember it being…especially when you’re not really the bar hanging out type of person. It’s so strange being uprooted and in a new city, and everyone else you love lives 2000 miles away. I love EVERYTHING about San Diego and wouldn’t trade it for the world, but I miss having friends.
That’s enough of moping. I’m excited because I’m going to participate in the AIDS Walk, and the Walk for Equality next year, and hopefully in the San Diego Women’s Chorus. I think I might start volunteering at the Center because it’s a good way to meet new people and give to the community. I feel like I need to be a louder voice somehow…and reach out beyond my Twitter friends. Not sure how…but I’m going to do it.
