This past Sunday I walked in the Sacramento Pride parade with the amazing folks from @frontstreetanimalshelter
The adoptable pets were all decked out in their colorful finest, as were all the humans.
And everyone looked so frickin’ gorgeous!
Oh and if you’re not aware, Stacey Doyle Photography, and I, Stacey Doyle, are a huge supporter of the LGBTQ+ community. And this next part may have nothing to do with adoptable animals, except for the photos.
But it’s important to say it.
I believe that Love is Love.
I believe that you know best who you are and you should always loudly and proudly celebrate YOU!
I believe you are worthy, you are wanted and you belong here.
I believe that LOVE is one of the most powerful experiences we can all have, not only with others but more importantly, with ourselves.
I know things have been pretty scary and shitty lately for a lot of people with so much hatred being spewed and terrible “laws” being passed. It’s mind boggling to me how hurtful so many can be.
And how many accept and support that harmful bs.
I photographed one of the first (of many) legal same sex marriages in the state of Massachusetts in the mid 2000’s.
I cried my eyes out over the sheer joy this couple, surrounded by all of their beautiful loved ones, experienced that day.
And I thought, at the time, how wonderful it will be when everywhere allows everyone to be able to celebrate the ones they love so openly, so freely. And so safely.
I can’t believe we are in a place today where a lot of the rights so hard fought are being dismantled. But I’m also not going to simply shrug my shoulders and say oh well.
Love is LOVE and I’ll continue to fight tirelessly so that EVERYONE can freely and safely love.
Not only who they want to but also love themselves as they are.
Look if someone doesn’t like who you are or how you love – Fuck Them.
And I know it’s not as easy as that.
So let me say it for you – Fuck. Them.
But please know, you deserve to love openly. And joyously. And proudly.
And safely.
I am proud of you.
I celebrate you and I will continue to fight for the right of everyone to be themselves, without fear. I believe that everyone deserves to live a life full of authentic love.
With that said, let me share more images from the Sacramento Pride Parade with Front Street Animal Shelter.
And remember Adopt, Don’t Shop!
