Being Proud of Pride

The first time a friend came out to me, I was a Freshman in high school. I was sitting on the chair lift at ski club with my dear friend and thrill-seeking ski partner, Gil, when he turned to me and said

“Just so we have things straight, I’m not.”

My response? “I know.”

I, in fact, did not know. HOWEVER. I did know:

• Gil was one of my closest friends.
• Gil kept me sane (most days)
• I could lean on Gil whenever I needed it, and the same went for him.
• Gil and I had so many mutual hobbies it was absurd (and now we could add one more to the mix- strolling the mall to “boy scout”)
• Nothing would ever change based on what he had confided in me.

Gil was Cuban, and beyond proud of it. His real first and middle name (which I didn’t find out until meeting his ENTIRE family- the ones that are not still in Cuba or Florida, which was shocking to say the least because let me tell you, there were a LOT) was Goliard Yago which, when you look it up- basically said everything about him. A rebel, one who unsettles, highly sociable and one who enjoys life. Not listed: the ideal person to open your eyes to other lifestyles.

Despite being born and raised in a Cuban family & going to a private Catholic all boys school- coming out was something Gil did best. He did it in his typical Gil-way, loud, proud and no going back. Looking back on it, it may have been his way of overcoming his fear and ripping the band-aid off- and I know for a fact that it made it easier for everyone to accept him- despite what he expected.

Gil’s family went back to Cuba our sophomore year of high school, and he shockingly and unexpectedly passed away shortly after due to a brain aneurysm. I truly believe that Gil was the one who lead the path toward me loving, embracing, supporting and protecting the LGBTQ+ community as much as I can. Because truly, that’s who have filled my Gil-void.

When I look back on the day Gil came out to me, it makes me laugh. Mostly because I know my reaction completely took the wind out of his sails- he wanted something bigger, crazier, shocking, loud (because that was him). But at the end of the day, it said so much more than I ever could have. It told him I saw him, I loved him, I know him, I accept him, and nothing in our friendship would ever change.

To be honest- I don’t give a flying fuck who you love- unless they’re trash. Do what makes you happy, who makes you happy, how it makes you happy. Live your life. Tell me all the juicy details, or don’t. Be yourself with me. Respect me as I respect you. And if you can’t be proud of the life you’re living- make a change, or find someone that can be your perpetual hype man (PICK ME).

June is Pride Month- but if you’re one of those straight people who thinks it’s the only time you can show your support- check yourself. Conversely, if you’re one of those straight people who thinks you know everything there is to know- you don’t. Open your ears, close your mouth and take the time to listen. Not just through June, but always.

I am almost positive that there are some finer details in here that may not be correct. If that’s the case, please feel free to let me know- because as I said we are open and learning and open to learning.

HAPPY PRIDE MONTH.

-ec.from.cle (follow me on Instagram @ec.from.cle)