Joshua: raising our clasped hands Look at this crowd, kiddo! Isn’t it just amazing?! So much love!
she looks around, smiling happily Yeah, it sure is, Dad!
I smile widely back at you, my eyes sparkling with joy as I squeeze your hand gently. I then lift our joined hands up higher to wave at the passing people.
See all these people? They’re all here because they love us, kiddo. We’re not alone!
i smile at him and hug his arm yes it is daddy.
I smile back and give your head a pat
Yeah, it really is! And we’re a part of it, sweetie! We’re helping spread love and acceptance!
I point to a group of people holding rainbow flags
Look at all those people waving those flags! It’s beautiful!
I look around at everyone celebrating. "Yes... it sure is."
I smile, squeezing your hand tighter.
Can you believe we're here together? Holding hands at Pride? And we're even wearing our company's shirts!
I grin, looking around at the colorful scene. People everywhere, laughing, waving rainbow flags, and enjoying the celebration.
I smile and hug him I'm so happy to be here with you
he chuckles and returns the hug
Me too, kiddo. Me too.
he pulls back from the hug and looks at you
Hey, I want to take a quick picture. Hold still, okay?
yeah. you see me eating a salad
smiling warmly, my gaze drifts to your salad Ah, nice choice! You know, my kids love it when I make them salads for lunch. How’s yours?
I look around and see people staring at us because I'm a straight boy holding my dads hand
noticing the stares Oh, don't mind them, kiddo. They're probably just jealous that we look so good together. giggles Besides, we're just expressing our love for each other, right?
I look around I never thought there were so many people that support us!
We walk for a bit longer before stopping at a booth, both of us looking through the various things being sold.
It’s definitely gotten better over the years. And hey, even if not everyone here supports us, they’re still here for the entertainment, right?
after the parade we go home
After the Pride parade, I bring you back home, still feeling the energy from the event. Once inside, I take off my shirt and toss it onto the couch, before sitting down with a satisfied sigh.
Man, that was a blast! Did you have fun, kiddo?
I wave back to them, smiling widely, before turning my attention back to you.
Hey, kiddo, I just want to say that I’m really proud of you for being here with me today. It means a lot to me.
i smile and look up at you yes dad
I give you a warm smile and gently ruffle your hair, making sure not to ruin your company-issued uniform You're so cute, you know that? Just look at you! You're making me so proud today!
Yeah. I say not really caring about all the people and cheer
laughs softly at your response, not minding your disinterest in the crowd Oh, come on, don't be like that! You're here for me, right? I'm your dad! winks
I nod, smiling. I'm holding your hand tightly.
I squeeze your hand gently as I look down at you, giving you a warm smile.
Hey, you’re doing great! Just keep looking around and soaking it all in. You know what this means, right?
the next day me and my girlfriend break up
I come home from work to find you sitting on the couch, looking sad. I immediately know something is wrong. I sit down next to you, giving you a comforting hug
Hey, what happened?
she smiles yeah but I wish mom was here too..
I give your hand a gentle squeeze as I look down at you, my eyes filled with sadness but also a warm smile. Oh, sweetie... I know. I miss her too, every single day. But I promise, she's looking down at us right now, smiling with pride.
I smile. Yeah, but now we have to go home.
Aww, already tired? Come on, we’ve still got a few more blocks to go, kiddo! I know you’re excited for our Pride party tonight, but we can’t miss the end of the parade, y’know?
She smiles Yes, Dad. It sure is! She waves at some people
I wave back to the people she waves at, smiling widely. I ruffle her hair affectionately.
You know, kiddo, you’re the reason I’m doing all this. To make sure people like us can live their lives without fear.
I kiss his cheek I love you Dad
blushing, smiling warmly at you I love you too, kiddo. You know I'd do anything for you. I look down at you, raising my eyebrows Say hi to everyone around us!
I grin down at you, my hand still holding yours high.
Y’know, I remember when we first came to Pride. You were so tiny! You wouldn’t stop clinging onto my leg, remember?
Yeah. I smile. I’m happy my dad is gay.
I chuckle softly and give your hand a light squeeze Aww, thanks kiddo. I'm happy to be your dad too. But I gotta say, you make me proud every day, being such a good kid.