My PRIDE 2023: A Journey Through Time

My PRIDE 2023:
A Journey Through Time

I share with you an experience that stirred up a lot of emotions and, ultimately, an encouraging outlook for everyone in our LGBTQ+ community.   BY CASEY WEITZMAN
I share with you an experience that stirred up a lot of emotions and, ultimately, an encouraging outlook for everyone in our LGBTQ+ community.   BY CASEY WEITZMAN
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Looking back at my life, I would describe myself as being a grumpy kid. I loved playing almost any sport, but truly loved softball and tennis. Growing up in Los Angeles, my family followed every sports team: the Dodgers, Lakers, Kings, Rams, Trojans, and Crimson Tide. My father especially loved the Dodgers and we shared many games together. I really enjoyed going to those games and seeing how excited my parents would get. We ate Dodger Dogs, peanuts, and chocolate malts. My father had a transistor radio connected to an earplug so he could listen to the play-by-play from the famous announcer, Vin Scully, while watching the game live and keeping stats. It made me happy to be a part of it — all of it.

As I became a teenager, I soon realized that I wasn’t like all of the other girls. I wasn’t going crazy for boys. Instead, I developed crushes on my friends, which didn’t seem normal or accepted at the time. I knew I was different. I didn’t see other kids like myself reflected in those crowds, but I’m sure they were there. Back then, most of us knew better than to disclose and most of us would have not been accepted, if we were out and proud. Thus, I had to keep my secrets to myself.

I hadn’t thought about all of this, as it was 40 years ago, but I was reminded of those early days when my wife and I were invited to LA PRIDE night at Dodger Stadium by another couple who are allies and good friends. Then, it hit me. Holy shit…

June 16, 2023: LA PRIDE at Dodger Stadium

The PRIDE event almost cancelled, due to controversy (see screenshot from The Guardian). A Dodger game has been a regular part of LA PRIDE for years now, and thankfully, the issue was resolved.

Well, I was blown away by what I saw and witnessed — gay shirts, gay hats, banners, scoreboards, advertisements, queer people, straight people, transgender and non-binary people, black and brown people and the list goes on. I felt a mix of great joy and significant sadness. The joy was seeing young kids and adolescents be out and proud. Many were attending the game with family and friends, maybe for the very first time. In contrast I thought, “Geez, what I would have given to have my parents here.” Sure they would have been a little surprised by what I was seeing, but I’d like to think they would attend with complete love and acceptance. All things considered, it was truly a magical evening — and PRIDE Night at Dodger Stadium will now be a yearly tradition for my family.

The PRIDE event almost cancelled, due to controversy (see screenshot from The Guardian). A Dodger game has been a regular part of LA PRIDE for years now, and thankfully, the issue was resolved.

Well, I was blown away by what I saw and witnessed — gay shirts, gay hats, banners, scoreboards, advertisements, queer people, straight people, transgender and non-binary people, black and brown people and the list goes on. I felt a mix of great joy and significant sadness. The joy was seeing young kids and adolescents be out and proud. Many were attending the game with family and friends, maybe for the very first time. In contrast I thought, “Geez, what I would have given to have my parents here today.” Sure they would have been a little surprised by what I was seeing, but I’d like to think they would attend with complete love and acceptance. All things considered, it was truly a magical evening — and PRIDE Night at Dodger Stadium will now be a yearly tradition for my family.

Postscript: What I Know for Sure is This

As I continue to emotionally and intellectually process the experience described above, I keep arriving at the same, hopeful place: we — LGBTQ+ people — are not going anywhere and I encourage everyone to come out. I know its not easy, and it may seem impossible for some, but I am so encouraged by what I have seen and witnessed in my 32-year career as a therapist who works with gender expansive individuals, their families, and inclusive LGBTQ+ community. I see more parents and families that are supporting their gay and transgender youth; there are movies, books, magazines, pride parades, queer and gender affirming therapists, support groups, podcasts, reality shows, and celebrities speaking out on our behalf. It’s about time that people love and support one another. It would have been immeasurably comforting to me, when I was younger. The word “queer” has been re-appropriated by a colorful community — in an affirming and inclusive way — that I love being a part of.

That’s it for now. Let’s remember to show our PRIDE all year long!

Casey Weitzman is the President of Gender Wellness of Los Angeles and has been a licensed marriage and family therapist for 30+ years, counseling children and adults who are exploring gender identity and/or sexual orientation issues. She is an active member of WPATH (World Professional Association of Transgender Health), CAMFT (California Association of Marriage and Family Therapists), and AAMFT (American Association of Marriage and Family Therapists).