Pride 2011

June is one of our favorite months. School is over, the weather warms, and the festivals come out in full swing. The Utah Pride Festival has become a tradition for us and even though this was only my second year, Pride is so comfortable and fun that it feels like we've been doing it forever. Here's us at Pride 2010:


And now, Pride 2011:


In addition to haircuts (thank heaven's, what was I thinking?!), this Pridefest felt completely different for me, and therefore, for both of us. Last year I was more quite, silently taking in the festival and second guessing my presence there at every moment. I couldn't stop thinking: will my students see me here? What if they do? What if I run into someone I know? I was happy to be there with Becca, but I was self conscious and still trying to figure out how to feel in my own skin. That is probably the biggest difference between Pride 2010 and Pride 2011: confidence, happiness, and being comfortable. Day by day we work at taking down some of the scaffolding that tells us we're awful, and focus on building up positive things in our lives. This has lead to healthier minds, spirits, and bodies for both of is--and it shows! These are the faces of two happy people, finally living out loud.

We love Saturday at Pride because it is filled with music, cold beer, and much fewer people. It is fun to kick back with friends and eachother and enjoy a summer festival that celebrates life in general. This year we met up with Rosie and Drew at Pride and watched an incredibly annoying Roseanne Barr RANT and RAVE about this and that. While I usually love Roseanne (her tv show made me realize my family wasn't the only screwed up family in America), her angry 10 minute rant fest as the grand marshall was extremely awkward. However, the people and puppy watching is always fabulous.

Roseanne Barr, Grand Marshall 2011, rants on stage. What better way to capture this photo than couched between to bedazzled beehives of queens sitting in front of us. Note to SLC queens: when in drag that includes beehives, please rethink the front row! :)

We stayed for the Saliva Sisters who sing parodied songs about Utah culture that had us rolling in our seats. After Saliva Sisters we went with Rosie and Drew over to Charlie Chow's, our favorite chinese digs downtown. All in all, a great Saturday night at Pride.

Sunday morning came with bright blue skies, warm temperatures, and record numbers at Pride. While last year found me hiding in the shadows and afraid to hold Becca's hand, this year's Pride found me walking IN the parade! Talk about a full 180 change. Our dear friend Shelly invited us to walk in the parade with her company, American Express. My little sister Taylor was psyched about coming to pride and so we brought her in the parade with us. That was the other big change--this year we were not only more confident in ourselves, but our family CAME OUT and supported Pride 2011. Taylor was in the parade and Becca's parents and sister watched the parade and joined us for part of the festival afterward.

Licking my arm in preparation to place an American Express rainbow sticker on my wrist.

Becca, Taylor, Kylie, Kath, and Shelly getting ready to rock the parade!
Because it is such a cute picture, I had to put it here again. :)




Amber (Rachel's friend), Kath, Becca, and Becca's sister Rachel. Rachel's makeup was so CUTE!




Becca's Dad enjoying the parade

Marching in the parade


Becca's Mom--so fun to have their support there and see them on the route



A shot of the parade from the inside. My mom thought it was an extremely small event and was shocked to see these pictures. It's the real deal, nice work Utah!


After walking the city for a few hours in the parade, we were hot and exhausted. We decided to hit up Greek Souvlaki for gyros and fries for a quick food break. The food was awesome as usual and it served as a great break before hitting up the festival. Above is a picture of Taylor and her best friend Kylie at the fest. It was PACKED--record numbers hit the festival this year and it led to some overwhelming feelings for all of us.

This lady is always in good spirits, though. :) We stayed at the festival for about 30 minutes and then called it quits. Having been there Saturday and walked the entire parade route, we were spent. All in though, another great Pride!