If every person you meet is a pebble, then you are a mosaic of your interactions. Every small interaction, smile on the street, and door held open for someone is one small pebble helping to create a beautiful piece of artwork or a supportive environment. 

Although these everyday actions or words of kindness may seem small, they can have a compounding, lasting effect on someone’s life, creating a sense of comfort through seemingly simple gestures. People are products of their surroundings.

One such gesture crucial to the integrity of a supportive community is the acceptance of others. Equal treatment and inclusion of those with different gender expressions, identities, or backgrounds can create a world of difference for many. Treating everyone with respect, kindness, and inclusion can have a profound impact on people’s lives. 

Next school year, I’ll be the student president of StC’s Gay-Straight Alliance. To me, Pride Month is a time to celebrate all members of the LGBTQ+ community and foster an environment where people can find comfort with each other. People will continue to celebrate Pride Month until every last person feels comfortable expressing themselves in such a way that represents their authentic selves. 

Although it may be small, having an inclusive community such as the GSA may help people find comfort within themselves and others. I look forward to and strive for a day when both Pride Month and GSA are unnecessary.