MIND MATTERS
PRIDE: a deeper love
Psychotherapist Owen O’ Kane on how the sentiment is intrinsic to our wellbeing
As Pride season continues, I am reminded of the first Pride in my hometown of Belfast many years ago, back in the 1990s. It was attended by around 50 people and I’m a little ashamed to say I wasn’t one of them.
I hid in a back alley and watched the event with a mix of awe, fear and respect. My awe was realising I wasn’t the only gay in town, after all. My fear was that someone would see me. My respect was for the people who had the courage I didn’t have at the time. I was afraid to be proud. I was ashamed. I had to learn to fix that.
I want to think about Pride outside the usual parameters of parades, parties and political statements. I want to highlight the psychological importance of being proud, because without it, happiness will be a real struggle. Pride is found when we dig deep to find a deeper love within ourselves.