“Pride is the word the LGBTQIA+ community and the world rallies around to recognize [that] we are all beautiful in our own unique way. To remind everyone that love is love. My first Pride was in Paris, and I remember thinking ‘Wow, this is wild!’ and ‘Wow, this is beautiful.’ I think anyone who has been to a pride parade can’t help but be overwhelmed with smiles and love.

“We need to continue to recognize that so many people around this world have to live their lives in secret or with the fear of being persecuted for simply being themselves, for simply loving. I can’t think of a more intrinsic human right than the right to love. I can’t think of anything the world needs more at this moment than love in all its forms.

“If you know someone struggling, let them know that you support and love them. We need to be there for one another. There are many amazing organizations to work with but it starts on the individual level. There is so much work to do to make this world a place where everyone can love freely and live the life they choose to live.

“I can only say to those who are struggling to stay strong and to know that you are beautiful and that you should always know deep down that your choice for love and your decision on how you identify is yours and it belongs to you—it is you.”