My first Pride involved myself marching with my friends that I made through the youth group LGBYT (Lesbian, Gay, and Bisexual Youth of Toronto) and it was a very liberating experience. After wards I always ended up marching every year with LGBTY and then with the university group LGBTOUT (Lesbians, Gays, Bisexual and Trans People of the University of Toronto) and I currently march with RyePride. I have always felt a sense of liberation and happiness when I do march with my friends and peers because I feel like I am a part of something unique.
Aside from marching I have also performed at Pride as the drag queen Takeme Spears these past years. A few Pride shows that I have been involved with were through groups and parties such as Asian Express, Queer Asian Youth and Colour Me Dragg. One show that particularly stands out occurred during the Queer Asian Youth Cafés shows because my entire family was in the audience and saw me perform, for the first time. I was very happy when I saw my mom, dad and aunts out in the audience and I felt real sense of PRIDE and Joy that day!
