Kamala Harris Made History As The First Vice President To Attend A Pride Parade

Vice President Kamala Harris made headlines with her surprise visit to the Pride Parade in Washington DC. She got more than her fair share of naysayers, but that doesn’t detract from her/our historical moment. Yes, it’s a LONG time coming, and YES, we can do more. But I’d like to take a step back and acknowledge where we are at this moment, what that historic appearance really means, and what we can all do to be a part of that movement going forward.  

So, What Happened?

Harris became the first known sitting Vice President to join in a Pride event when she showed up to the Capital Pride walk on Saturday, June 12th. She sported a T-shirt with the words “love is love” on it and her famous comfortable footwear as she greeted fellow pride-parade participants.  

Of course, it’s not the first time that Harris has attended Pride events. As a Senator, she attended the Pride Parade in San Francisco in 2019 and 2020. Back in 2019, her participation was also a campaign appearance, as she likened the civil rights fight to her own epic battle to become the first female President in US history.  

What Did That Moment Mean?

Harris once again took the proverbial stage, but this time it was on the pavement of the rally to push for the passage of the Equality Act by the Senate. She also called for protection for the transgender community and our youth. “There is so much more work to do,” she said. “And I know we are committed, and we understand the importance of this movement and our roles of leadership in this ongoing movement.”  

What she said was important and what she did in making her surprise appearance at the Pride Parade is now a defining moment in US VP history, but we rarely take the words or actions of a politician at face value. There MUST always be another reason, further intent, an alternate agenda, right? 

What About Hope?

Kamala’s name means “lotus,” which has been associated with enlightenment and rebirth. It rises from the darkness and becomes something beautiful. It’s about new beginnings. Now more than ever, we seem to need a complete refresh, a way to come together to address the wrongs and start working toward a better tomorrow.  

I think most of us would love to wake up tomorrow and see that the world was suddenly fair and right, with no hate or violence. At least, my kids tell me that’s the world they want. When she was elected, they couldn’t believe that there’d never been a woman taking office as the Vice President before. Now, they’re seeing that our VP is making history at a Pride Parade. Why was THAT never done before?  

It’s not enough. It’s never enough, but it’s a step in the right direction. And, I have to believe that each step pushes us forward toward where we want to be. 

What are your thoughts on the appearance of Kamala Harris at the Pride Parade? Let us know what you think about it below in the comments! 

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