Pride Series: Jackie & Sarah
Jackie and Sarah met on a blind date about 12 years ago. It was an instant, strong connection that led to a loving relationship rooted in trust and loyalty. Since their first encounter, the couple have navigated life in New York together as a queer couple. The two share their thoughts on what Pride means to them and how they plan on celebrating.
When do you feel most beautiful?
Jackie: This is a tough question… but if I really need to pinpoint a certain moment I would say it when I'm at the beach. The sound and smell of the ocean really sweeps me off my feet. It's an extremely meditative place where all my insecurities wash away and leave me feeling very at peace with myself.
Sarah: I agree this is a tough question! I think for similar reasons as Jackie, but my place of euphoria is whenever we have a really good jazz record on. The calming sound of the smooth melody really melts away all your problems. It makes me feel incredibly beautiful on a more spiritual level.
What are your plans for pride this year?
Jackie: The Pride parade is my favorite day of the year. I don't like staying out too late, but Sarah will go all night. We’ll definitely go to the parade for a bit but afterwards I'd like to grab a drink somewhere a bit more low key. I also love the vibe at Washington Square Park. That's where the best party is.
Sarah: I love pride, it's an absolute blast. We will most definitely be going to the parade. I do like to spend the day with a tight knit group of our closest friends. It's hard to say where the day will take us, there's really so many possibilities.
What does pride mean to you?
Sarah: Pride to me is about finding family in a group of strangers. All different people coming together and creating this united feeling of love and strength. One year my mom and sisters got together and sent me a picture of them all wearing pride tee shirts and wished me a happy pride. That's what it's about, sharing and sending love.
Jackie: Pride definitely revolves around the parade, it's about the parade. I’ve gone every year for about 15 years. I went to my first pride with my first girlfriend and it's always been an incredible time. It amazes me to watch the celebration increase each year which of course parallels the increase in consumerism and pop culture. We all complain about pride becoming commercialized but this is what we wanted. We wanted queers to become mainstream and be able to live our lives in peace like straight people. Straight lives are commercialized too, it's just part of becoming accepted on a mass level.
