Each event fits people’s specific interests. In South Florida, many Pride events are held to celebrate acceptance and unite communities. “I think since becoming so much more accepted nowadays, people are being able to discover what they truly feel comfortable with and who they truly love and that’s why people are coming out more,” Palmetto Alliance Club President Sophia Tomczak said. This is a significant increase from 2017, when 4.7% of people identified as part of the LGBTQIA+ community. In 2021, 5.6% of Americans self-reported identifying as being part of the LGBTQIA+ community. I got really lucky in that my friends and parents were really accepting, but it was still a nerve-wracking experience.” “When I finally realized that I was not straight, I was terrified of what other people were going to think. “Being part of the LGBTQIA+ community in a society that views heterosexuality as the norm is not an easy experience,” Miami Palmetto Senior High School junior Martha Guerra said. The difficulty arises because many do not know if those they care about or the public in general will accept them. During Pride month, many people who identify as part of the LGBTQIA+ community or as allies of the LGBTQIA+ community come together to celebrate their ability to be who they are.Ĭoming out as part of the LGBTQIA+ community continues to be an extremely hard thing to do.
