Pride is still a protest
Why Pride is important to me
Pride is more than a colorful party. It is a moment of visibility, of strength, of love. And for me, it is above all a reminder of something fundamental: everyone should have the right to be who they want to be and love who they want to love.
Love is not a threat. Yet people are still judged, excluded or attacked simply because they love someone who is 'different' from what some people are used to. That hurts me. No one should have to defend themselves for something as pure and human as love.
What bothers me most is how easily people judge others. While there is so much to learn, if you are prepared to broaden your view. Do not judge, but inform yourself. There is more to life than black and white – much more. And it is precisely that color, that diversity, that makes our society more beautiful and stronger.
Yet we live in a time where that diversity is increasingly under attack. Leaders like Trump and Orbán dismiss the LGBTI+ community as a problem, as something to be “fought”. Elon Musk actively contributes to a climate where hate is normalized, by spreading disinformation and anti-LGBTI+ sentiment through his platforms. That is dangerous. It creates a world where people have to fight again for rights that seemed long lost.
In addition, large companies are also starting to withdraw their support for the LGBTI+ community. Companies like Meta (Facebook/Instagram), Google and Amazon – who once profiled themselves as allies – are now remaining silent, or consciously choosing to distance themselves. And all this to increase their chances of receiving contracts from the American government. Money comes before humanity for these companies. As a member of the community, I believe that you should take this into account when you have the choice to choose an alternative. Visible support should not be a marketing trick, but should be based on principles – even if it is less popular for a while.
And it doesn’t stop at words. In more than 60 countries, homosexuality is still punishable – in some cases by imprisonment, corporal punishment or even the death penalty. That is the reality in 2025. You can’t ignore it.
At the same time, I am deeply concerned about the recent restrictions on trans people’s rights. In more and more countries, their rights are being actively rolled back – on paper and in practice. Trans people deserve safety, respect and space to be themselves.
That's why Pride is important. Not because it 'has to', but because it is necessary. As long as love is not self-evident for everyone, I will remain visible. I will continue to use my voice. And I will continue to celebrate that everyone can be themselves - regardless of who you love.
On Saturday June 14th I will be walking with my partner during the Eindhoven Pride Parade. Because love deserves space, pride and protection – in Eindhoven and all over the world.
Pride is more important than ever.
Pride is still a protest.
Dave from Gunderwear