Pride 2024

“Brian, it’s hot.”

“I know it’s hot, it’s July for fuck sake, what do you expect.”

“Why can’t we sit in the shade?”

“Because we always sit here. We’ve been sitting here for twenty years.” Brian sighed. He dug into the ever present back pack that Justin had leaning against the chair and took out a bottle of water. “Here drink some water and stop bitching.”

“You know it wouldn’t hurt to sit down the street in the viewing stands. They reserve seats for us.” It was an old argument.

“I’m not sitting with all the pussy fags.”

“The mayor of Pittsburgh is not a pussy fag.” 

“The mayor excepted, the rest are pussy fags.” Brian took the bottle of water from Justin and drank deeply. “You know Sunshine, you could show some Pride here.”

“I do show pride.” Justin looked down at himself. Other than a tasteful bracelet in subdued rainbow colors, there wasn’t much else that proclaimed gay pride.

Brian on the other hand was wearing a rainbow tie dyed wife beater. His tanned skin and still dark hair, made him look just as hot as he had on their first pride together.

“Hey guys, I knew I’d find you here.” It was Gus, he kissed Brian and then Justin. “Are you going to march with us this year Jus?” he asked.

“Of course.” Justin beamed at the young man who was standing in front of him. “Do you have my tee shirt?” he looked around. “Where’s Molly and BJ?” 

“They’re hiding out until the parade starts.” Gus snickered. “They want to surprise Dad.”

Brian rolled his eyes, “What now?”

“Nothing.” Justin and Gus said together though both of them looked guilty.

“Justin you’d better not be up to anything that’ll embarrass me.” Brian warned. He’d been on the receiving end of some of Justin’s antics before. 

Justin looked at his watch. “Oops we have to go.” He bent and kissed Brian. “I still think you should sit in the shade if you don’t want to march with PFLAG.”

“Have fun Sunny Boy.” Brian kissed Justin and waved at his son. “When you guys are hot and tired at the park, I’ll be cool and rested from sitting here watching you.” 

Another kiss and Justin raced off with Gus to get into the parade. They always marched with the PFLAG group. Justin donned his tee shirt. “I LOVE MY GAY HUSBAND” across his chest. Gus had on his ‘I LOVE MY GAY PARENTS’, Molly had on hers ‘I LOVE MY GAY BROTHER’, BJ had on his, though it was small and harder to read. ‘I LOVE MY GAY GRANDPARENTS’ There was a lot of jostling and fun as everyone in the PFLAG section read their various tee shirts.

Brian sat in his usual spot and watched the parade go by. He waved at friends and family as they marched past enjoying himself like he did every year. When he saw the PFLAG contingent turn the corner he felt a swell of pride. He remembered the first pride Justin had attended and the feeling they both had that year. As the group approached, Brian stood up so that he could see them all better. Seeing his small family marching together including his little grandson, Brian’s heart swelled with pride. Without thinking he pushed through the crowd to join them. 

“Hey Brian” Justin’s smile was blinding.

“Hey Sunshine, I got tired of sitting in the sun. I thought I’d walk with all of you to the park.” Gus handed him a tee shirt he’d been carrying in his hand. Brian pulled it over his head. ‘I LOVE MY GAY HUSBAND’ proudly blazed across his chest in rainbow colors.

“I’m dead aren’t I?” Justin asked. “This is some kind of gay heaven.”

Brian just smiled and put his arm over Justin’s shoulder. He leaned over and took the stroller from Gus’ hand. He really did feel pride as he walked down the center of Liberty Avenue, his son and his wife, his grandson and his husband, all marching with him. He’d come a long way since that first pride and he was proud of it.