PAUL

PRIDE, HISTORICALLY DEEMED A DEADLY SIN IN MANY RELIGIOUS AND PHILOSOPHICAL TRADITIONS, IS SEEN AS AN EXCESSIVE BELIEF IN ONE’S OWN ABILITIES OR ACHIEVEMENTS, OFTEN LEADING TO AN ARROGANT ATTITUDE TOWARD OTHERS. THIS NOTION OF PRIDE STANDS IN STARK CONTRAST TO CONTEMPORARY INTERPRETATIONS OF GAY PRIDE, WHICH CELEBRATES THE SELF-AFFIRMATION, DIGNITY, ACCEPTANCE AND EQUALITY OF LGBTQ+ INDIVIDUALS. THIS ARTICLE EXPLORES THE COMPLEX EVOLUTION OF PRIDE FROM A DEADLY SIN TO A SYMBOL OF LIBERATION IN THE CONTEXT OF GAY PRIDE.

Pride is considered one of the seven deadly sins in Christian theology, with roots extending to ancient philosophical and religious texts. In the biblical narrative, pride is seen as the root of all sin, exemplified by the fall of Lucifer and the disobedience of Adam and Eve. In Buddhism, pride is viewed as an obstacle to enlightenment. These perspectives emphasise humility and self-awareness as antidotes to pride’s corrosive effects.

In stark contrast to the traditional view of pride as a sin, gay pride emerged as a response to centuries of marginalisation, persecution, and invisibility faced by LGBTQ+ individuals. The modern gay pride movement began in earnest with the Stonewall riots in 1969, a pivotal moment when LGBTQ+ people fought back against systemic oppression and discrimination.

Gay pride, fundamentally, is about reclaiming dignity and asserting one’s right to exist and thrive without fear or shame. By adopting pride, the LGBTQ+ community transforms a term historically associated with vice into a powerful declaration of self-worth and human rights.

I have been in a space holding position for many years; as a holistic therapist and a pharmacist, while maintaining an outward facade of strength and confidence. However, for years I found this profoundly painful and confusing, trying to keep my own emotional turmoil tightly contained. I had explored healing for myself but on a superficial level. I had this perception that I had to maintain this composure for everyone else, believing individuals’ were looking to me for guidance.

Not too long ago a dear friend and teacher called me out on my pride. This hit me deep! I was exposed! I spiralled into months of deep emotional processing but I have finally arrived into an internal space of compassion, forgiveness, liberation and acceptance for myself and everything I have experienced in my life.

reconciling this paradox lies in understanding the context and intent behind the use of the term “pride.”

In its traditional sense, pride is destructive because it isolates the individual from others and from a higher moral, fostering a sense of superiority and entitlement, leading to harmful consequences both for the individual and society. In the context of gay pride, however, pride functions as a restorative force. It is not about placing oneself above others but about affirming one’s equal place in society,