Reflections on Pride Month

By Ben Kane

I grew up surrounded by a large and resilient family of Vietnamese American refugees that endured so much to leave their home country behind and build a prosperous life in a completely new and unfamiliar place. My life was rich with role models who exemplified values like community, empathy, and selflessness.

However, growing up queer in Orange County, California it was hard to envision a life where I would be truly comfortable and accepted. I didn't know any positive gay role models in my personal life or in popular culture. It wasn't until I was 12 that the Supreme Court overturned laws criminalizing being gay, and in my last year of high school, I watched as marriage equality was briefly legalized in California in 2008, only to be taken away almost immediately by Prop 8, which was supported by people I knew, loved, and respected.

After college, I entered public service, first in campaigns and then on Capitol Hill, where I found a supportive community dedicated to inclusion for all. I still remember crying at my first pride parade just after moving to DC, overwhelmed by the sight of so many people celebrating pride in who we are.

That same year, Vietnamese American LGBTQ groups were almost banned from participating in the Tet Parade in Little Saigon because of the outdated views of some in our community. I was so proud to see my mom join a movement to fight back against bigotry, but I shouldn't have been surprised. Equity, compassion, and standing up for what's right were core values in the home I was raised in. Since that time, I've been even more moved and inspired to see her support and help countless other parents join a supportive movement for their LGBTQ children with Viet Rainbow of Orange County (VROC). It makes me so happy to know that so many kids today grow up with the knowledge that being queer is something to be celebrated and upheld, supported by parents who love them for who they are.

This Pride Month, I am thankful to know that our collective experience as refugees brings us together to fight for a better future for this country, the country that has given so much to us and to which we have given so much in return. I'm grateful for the work of PIVOT, VROC and others who continue the fight to protect our rights. The rights we have today as Vietnamese Americans and LGBTQ Americans weren't just given to us but won through the hard-fought advocacy and struggle of so many before us. At a time when we're seeing open attacks on the LGBTQ community, and on the trans community in particular, it's more important than ever that we use our voices to stand up for what's right and ensure that the people representing us are doing the same.