And Still I Rise

By Saynee Ghosh

Illustration by Arunima Pahara, 2nd year, B.Sc. Graphics and Animation

"Two roads diverged in a wood, and I took the one less traveled by" says Robert Frost in his poem 'The Road Not Taken'. 

June arrives, wrapped in color and walking with pride. Streets bloom with flags, voices rise in song, and hearts beat louder beneath glittering skies. Pride Month begins - it is not a celebration, but a remembering. A remembering of pain, of protest, of power. A remembering of those who walked through fire so others could walk freely.  Pride Month is more than parades and rainbow flags. It is a celebration of authenticity, a tribute to those who came before us, and a reminder of how far we still have to go. It is a mix of color, courage, and community.

 
Think about the people who had to fight just to be seen, who lived in silence. Their bravery shaped the world we now live in, one where queerness is visible, shared, and increasingly embraced. The spotlight turns toward those who paved the way — the fierce humans of color, the everyday warriors who fought with nothing but truth and tremble in their voice. Their courage built the foundation that millions now stand on.
 
This month is for everyone — the ones who are out loud and proud, and the ones still figuring things out. It’s for the ones who had to leave pieces of themselves behind to stay safe, and the ones who finally feel free enough to reclaim them. 

Here’s to healing. To honesty. To queerness in every form. Here’s to love that doesn’t apologize.
 
Happy Pride month!
 

Saynee Ghosh is a student of B.A. Journalism and Mass Communication, 2nd year, School of Media and Communication, Adamas University