Brentwoodian 2019

5 Love is Love but what is love to you? Throughout the decades, the concept of ‘love’ in our society has gone through positive changes. Several years ago ‘love’ was restricted, merely for the relationship between a man and a woman. However, nowadays, it is something that we share and spread across the world. People, no matter their gender, age, colour, or sexuality, come together from all around the world to share their ‘love’ for one another and the world we live in, as they celebrate the concept of ‘pride’. Throughout the summer, several Pride Parades took place in many parts of the world. The people taking part, as opposed to shame and social stigma, promoted self-affirmation, dignity, equality, as well as increasing the visibility of people with different sexualities as a social group. Getting to participate in the Pride Parade itself was one of the most breathtaking occasions which I have ever been able to experience. Not only was the atmosphere blissful but also loving and benevolent. There was neither a single dull colour, nor moment during the whole parade which I had the opportunity to attend in Prague this summer. Wherever I looked, I was met by joyous smiles and affectionate eyes. Although it was a rainy day, that did not stop anyone from dancing the day away on the muddy ground, barefooted and merry. There was no judgment, purely encouragement, to be yourself, no matter what, and not to let anything or anyone deter you from doing so. As stated by Reese Witherspoon, “You always gain by giving love”. By Inger Hansen