Even though we've made incredible strides in recent years, we still have a long way to go. Some people (notably outside the queer community) even go so far as asking why pride is even still necessary. When I hear this, I can't help but to think about the current state of things. I look around and I see an increasing number of bans on things like trans healthcare, trans participation in sports, and drag performances, and so much more. Anti-LGBTQIA+ hate has been rising in recent years, and these are its impacts. A large number of people have been convinced that we are somehow evil, despite such claims not even resembling anything that approaches truth. All of this taken together makes the world less safe for people like us. That is why we still need pride, and why we will continue to need it. As long as someone feels unsafe being who they are, are banned from being themselves, or others hate us for breathing, pride will continue to be necessary.