Pride is about being your authentic self. It is about celebrating who you are and expressing that without fear, in all of its colorful ways.
At least that’s what Pride means to 37-year old New Bern resident Laura Snell.
“To be proud is to love yourself and many of those in the LGBTQIA+ community don’t have space to be themselves or proud of who they are—Pride is for everyone to celebrate what makes us who we are and to love who we want—for me Pride is love,” said Snell, who identifies as gender nonconforming.
Snell grew up visiting her grandparents in New Bern and moved back permanently ten years ago, with no plans of leaving anytime soon. She said her experience in New Bern has been amazing and she feels safe to be herself in the community.
“I think people find that we’re just humans. We just live our life and enjoy and love one another. It’s changing little by little, so it has been a good experience,” Snell said. “I’ve found quite a home here and I feel very comfortable.”
After economic setbacks, such as 9/11 and the 2008 crash, LGBTQ travelers have been the ones to lead a resurgence in the travel industry, reported USA Today. Keeping in line with this trend, they also reported that several LGBTQ travel companies have seen a recent increase in reservations since the pandemic.
More:‘Travelers are ready to explore’: LGBTQ travelers leading the way to tourism recovery
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