So we can celebrate virtually, LGBTQ Nation asked our readers to share a photo with us from the first time they went to Pride. Submissions poured in from around the world, spanning every year from 1970 to 2019.
We’ve selected 30 of our favorite photos and stories so we can celebrate with a Pride In Pictures special series and we’ll be sharing them with you every day this month.
Name:
Paul Quesnell
Never Miss a Beat
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Location:
Capitol Hill, Seattle
Related: Pride in Pictures: Dad’s old jersey
What makes this photo special to you?
“I did not ‘come out’ until 1996, when I was about 44 years old. My first Pride event was actually the following summer in 1997, and I have not missed one since – however, I cannot find any pictures of my first few Prides.
“These pictures are from the 2004 Seattle Pride parade, my first with my new partner at the time. I marched down the streets of Seattle’s Capitol Hill with the Northwest Bears. I will never forget how empowering it was for me to have thousands of people – who didn’t even know me – waving and cheering and yelling for me as we all walked by.
“That’s why 25 years later, I still never miss a pride parade. Somewhere in that parade is someone who just came out – I want to make sure they get the same kind of support I did.”
