Pride Still Matters
As Pride Season unfolds across Canada, I find myself reflecting on what allyship looks like in everyday life. Sometimes allyship is speaking up. Sometimes it is listening. Sometimes it is learning. And sometimes, it is painting your fingernails.
A week ago, I had my fingernails painted in the Pride colours. For me, it isn't a fashion statement. It isn't political. It isn't about drawing attention to myself. It is about sending a message to members of the queer/2SLGBTQIA+ community that they are safe with me. It matters a lot to me that people do feel safe with me because the opposite thought chills me to the bone.
This past Saturday, while dining out on my own, I noticed someone looking at my nails with what appeared to be disapproval. I waited for them to say something to me about them. Part of me hoped they would, because I was prepared to explain that my colourful nails are not about them at all. They are about creating visibility and demonstrating support to a community who have historically been treated extraordinarily badly by others. My painted nails are about helping someone who may be struggling, questioning, or feeling isolated know that there are people around them who care, who accept them, and who will stand beside them.
As someone who works in diversity, equity, inclusion, I often talk about the importance of creating environments where people can show up as their authentic selves. True inclusion is not created solely through policies, training sessions, or organizational statements. It is built through countless small actions that signal safety, acceptance, and respect.
A week ago, I was flying to Victoria. One of the flight attendants noticed my nails and said, "Now that's what I'm talking about!" We shared a smile and a brief moment of connection. It reminded me that symbols matter. Visibility matters. Sometimes a simple gesture can communicate support without saying a word.
Pride Season is often misunderstood. For some, it is viewed as a celebration. For others, it is seen as a protest. In reality, it is both. Pride recognizes the progress that has been made while also acknowledging the work that remains. It honours those who fought for rights and acceptance, while reminding us that many people continue to experience discrimination, exclusion, and fear simply because of who they are.
About a decade ago I was introduced to PFLAG Canada and helped to get a group going in the community I was living in at the time. If you don’t know about PFLAG, it is an organization that supports friends and families of the queer community. PFLAG Canada Stories series has some special insights for people who want to learn more about the queer community and how to better support them, highlighting the experiences of 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, families, and allies, and helping us understand the real people behind the conversations and headlines. I encourage you to take some time to watch and listen:
PFLAG Canada Stories
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=StcJOXA56_I&list=PLD475BA4B0793FF8B
Being an ally does not require perfection. It requires presence. It requires a willingness to learn, to listen, and to demonstrate support when it matters.
This Pride Season, I invite you to consider what signals of safety and belonging you send to those around you. Whether it is displaying a Pride flag or wearing a pin, attending a community event, using inclusive language, challenging discrimination, or painting your nails in Pride colours, your actions may have a greater impact than you realize.
Because somewhere, someone may see that small gesture and think, "Maybe I am safe here."
And sometimes, that's exactly what they need. It’s what we all need.
Tymmarah (Tymm) Mackie, MA (She/Her)
Founder & President, Fostering Diverse Communities Canada
