We have a world wide pandemic, yet can’t agree, to protect each other, and wear masks.

We finally understand what #BLACKLIVESMATTER means, yet we struggle to find common direction on how to fix the systemic problems that landed us where we are today. We argue over broken windows, rather than senseless deaths.

We have had a year, and it’s only June.

Because of this pandemic, PRIDE celebrations are mostly “virtual”. Just a year post Stonewall’s 50th, we witness a victory in employment equality from an aforethought very conservative court. Yet, we fall short of full equal rights. Further, transgender people, especially those of color, are still being senselessly murdered.

So, to say we have opportunity, to do better, is an understatement.

For myself, I have to learn more, educate myself, and learn how to participate in a way that moves us forward. I acknowlege my privilege as a Mexican woman, with a very white name. I am a married straight cisgendered woman that lives in suburbia, votes blue, but hasn’t really done anything noteworthy to progress these issues beyond donations and votes. I need to truly help the world move foward and be part of it.

Fact is, while I believe racism is wrong, I need to learn to be: anti racist.

While I show up to Pride parades yearly, I don’t truly comprehend the continued fight for rights, that I take for granted, daily. Ranting and yelling about it inside the confines of my suburban home, does nothing. Posting this blog does little, but perhaps hold myself to self account, privileged as it may be.

Here’s a few things I plan to do more of, grow –
– Read books like “How To Be An Antiracist”
– Buy more from black businesses, like The Pottle
– Find people to learn from via social media, like Zerlina Maxwell
– Discoverer more organizations to contribute to that want to fight for equality like The Human Rights Campaign

Learn more, do more, be more.

I leave you with this pre COVID gallery of Pride 2019, that I processed, yet never blogged – it all seems, so very, long ago. May we meet again next year, hopefully at a sunny (or cloudy) PRIDE celebration. May we vote to progress human rights, work to end racism, and beat this pandemic.

Peace & Love, humans.

LGBTQIA rights are Human Rights
#BLACKLIVESMATTER

For all years past – links here (2008-2017)

This year, the images…I shot from the Westlake bleachers, it was a little shady, light wise, but alas brought a glow as needed.

This years festivities began, not unlike the last few…with the holier than thou protest, met by Queens. This year, the perfect diffuse antidote was a furry stalking with an arrow “GAY AF” sign, #enoughsaid.

…And about an hour in, we had a “pause” due to a #BlackLivesMatter protest – for 30 minutes in reverence. I was out of image range, in opposing riser, about a half block away, where police were hesitantly looking on. The parade emcee Queens in charge were able to help diffuse, allow us all to listen and peaceably give address to the protest. Well done Seattle. Because Black Lives DO Matter. It’s real, and whether we pause for 30 minutes or kneel as we listen to bombs blasting in air, we endeavor to be and do better. To that, I pledge allegiance.

So, onto the Wonder. Love, delayed as it maybe (sorry!)…Be that as it may, I do dedicate the love here, and the wonder, to all of those that are still recovering from horrible forces of nature and unconscionable forces of man…I pray in love and peace for all to see the Wonder of many tomorrows.

Pride and Strength march on. The following is brought to you by the small but mighty (thanks to the rented 55-140 2.8) Fuji X-T20, and maybe a wee iPhone shot or two-ish…

~Slideshow(click for Full Screen)~

#LoveWins…this was the hashtag that I used, instictively, the morning of the SCOTUS ruling ensuring marriage equality from sea to shining sea in the United States. For those opposed, it was controversial and mystifying. For the rest of us, the masses, we can celebrate, because, as it should #LoveWins.

Just 2 days after this landmark decision that guarantees marriage rights for all, Seattle Pride took it’s turn in the sun, to celebrate, to love, to bask in the glory. Even if it actually was a little over cast, the sun shown through. In this most recent set I pushed the exposure just a little further than is technically appropriate – purposefully. Love it, hate it, it is my artistic commentary on how I saw this day. For years past – enjoy the Pride Archives.

For now, join me in the afterglow – #LoveWins.

Pride 2015 – Images by Elisa Sherman

But, let’s be honest, the theme to this years pride was brought to you by one wise man, waving the intergalatical vulcan salute: “live long and prosper”…yes, I’m talking about Mr. Takei:)

George drove up and down 4th Ave, pre parade, gleeful in his celebrity Grand Marshall status. For me it was a highlight to click. And honestly, he was not the lone notable out there…the younger crowd went crazy when Macklemore drove by, and then again, when he climbed out of his car…cue the squee-fest, and the rush to the car…

Not to be out done, the Mayor, was out glad handing, shaking everyones hand before the parade, and then again during the parade. Honestly, he seemed a little buttoned up – literally, but clearly he was enjoying the day – can’t really ask for more.

The parade, as it often does, featured lots of politicians, corporations, churches, community organizations, and let’s not forget, the fabulous.

I love shooting it, and this was the 7th consecutive year shooting Pride(full collection here) – it’s how I participate if that makes sense, recording it in my way for posterity. I fell in love with the love and life of it, back in 2008, and every subsequent year, 2009, 2010, 2011, 2012, and 2013. I am planning on doing something when I hit the decade mark, still pondering that;)

Until then, I’ll just wallow in the love. So much so, I really don’t want to even barely acknowledge the ignorance that showed up before the festivities…I decided to shoot through it, or in between it, and captured the pure joy that countered it instead. If you were there, you understand what I mean, if not, better even;) I was pretty proud of Seattle triumphing over those that clearly didn’t understand the whole point… The energy of Pride, wins every time. Love.

Yes, much love, including Bert and Ernie, the Sisters, Nordstrom, Wonder Woman, a surprising Debra Messing doppelganger, and well, endless Glam. Yeah, I love it;)

~Full Archive of 98 images!!~
Seattle Pride Parade 2014 – Images by Elisa Sherman

Anywho, with the year coming to a close – I didn’t want to pass these under the radar…but celebrate what didn’t crash! As always, love, marriage, and joy is what I seek…To visit prior year sets check – 2008, 2009, 2010 links.

slideshow –

Seattle Pride Parade ~ 6-26-2011 – Images by Elisa Sherman