D.J. “Shangela” Pierce Instagram – Posting this lil throwback to #TorontoPride 🌈 In honor of Oct 11 – National Coming Out Day! On this day in 2019, I had just officiated 4 LGBTQ+ weddings in the @skittles Hall of Rainbows … and was en route to the stage for a performance. But seeing all the gay joy and freedom … the faces of fans who were so happy and bravely sharing who they were and who they loved with the world … I couldn’t help but stop and take in the moment. This video brings me happiness (and even tears) to this day. Not everyone in the world has this type of Freedom to be gay or even be a gay ally … as a host of @werehere I partnered with a lot of people in their own backyards that had a rough journey to acceptance. I had my own rocky journey too. But listen to me … no matter where u are, or who accepts u … you can start by loving and accepting YOURSELF. And when you know it’s your moment to embrace all of YOU, there is a community of love out here for u boo. 🏳️‍🌈 So to those who might be afraid or questioning, to those have “come out” and those who stand with those who do … I love all y’all … as I’ve learned to love myself. 💖 and I appreciate the luv in return xo