Pamela Musoke (she/her/hers), Low Entropy Volunteer Writer
I have always admired the 2SLGBTQIA+ community—their strength, their resilience, their ability to laugh and love life, especially when life hasn’t loved them back. In some respects, we share similar histories, being part of a group that was enslaved, then hated. Perhaps it is less so now. I’d like to think we have changed, become more humane, not just tolerant but inclusive. But I hate thinking of using terms like welcoming or inviting, as though the 2SLGBTQIA+ community comes from a different universe.
Othering. Them vs. Us.
It’s still the point of view some of us have. Perhaps things are moving slower towards unity, but it certainly doesn’t slow them down. Life goes on for them, not waiting for us to catch up. I should take lessons from them; we all should.
Writing about this felt like it would be easy, a way for me and for you to celebrate the diversity that is being human. But it’s hard not to veer towards sadness every time I think about the world we find ourselves in.
So, I need to look at it as a challenge.
Let’s start over.
You and I are going to take some time to give thanks to a culture that has given me a different kind of joy that makes me smile every time I think of it.
Here’s one example. Washington D.C., Perry’s, 2007. This was the very first drag show I attended. Awesome concept: “Sunday Drag” brunch. It’s 2026 now, yet I still remember how I couldn’t stop smiling or singing along, while digging into delicious food. So much laughing and clapping. I walked out of the restaurant feeling so happy and light. I still talk to friends about that brunch, always with a smile! If you’re ever in the Washington, D.C. area, it’s highly recommended!
Here’s another. Gay clubs. They got me through most of my 20s, when we were struggling through pharmacy school, graduate school and getting into medical school. Some of us were still figuring out life, fumbling through life choices. And as young women, we thought so much about our safety. We did the usual recs, visiting various clubs around the city. Yet, we never felt comfortable or safe enough to enjoy the music and our company. We craved something different, safer . . . heck, even clean!
Enter The Max. The “pleasure cruise” we were desperately searching for.
It ticked every box. Clean. Great music. Well-mixed drinks. Friendly bartenders. Friendly patrons. Safe! The club became our refuge, a great place to let off steam after a stressful week. We danced until our feet hurt, from Eminem to merengue, moving from partner to partner; our little dance crowd grew with every visit as new club friends joined us. Mondays felt less daunting.
And I must mention our best friend. He is our ride or die, always pushing us to enjoy life even when life gets tough. I giggle now even as I walk down memory lane, many nights of midnight cooking, gossiping, movie watching, you name it. I don’t think I would have learned how to salsa and braved it on the dance floor on salsa nights. But he was there during our tough break-ups, failed tests, doubts about futures. He was reassuring, safe, non-judgmental—an award-winning best friend. Still is.
Doesn’t it all sound familiar? You share these memories. You tell similar stories of experiences you’ve had.
Forgive me, but I need, just for a moment, to take us back to the beginning. The “us versus them” narrative is the biggest lie we tell ourselves, and for reasons that have less meaning with every century that passes. Yet we hang on, tight-fisted.
Bottom line: we are all living for great relationships, great laughs, great food, and joie de vivre, among other things we hold dear.
So, back to the challenge . . .
June is Pride Month. What springs to mind when you think about it? For me, it’s seeing everything in bloom. I imagine that every living thing is enjoying the feel of summer. And summer speaks 2SLGBTQIA+ culture. Bright. Sunny. Ready to spread the joy.
I challenge you to embrace the joy, to revel in the fun that is Pride Month. They are sharing many opportunities that will bring smiles for years to come.
Join in and make fun memories!
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Pamela has a public health background. She enjoys reading, creative writing, and watching psychological thrillers and mysteries, with the occasional comedy.