Hey DJ, Play Something for the Boys, Gals and Non-Binary Pals

First things first, rest in paradise to Marsha P. Johnson. Without her, there'd be no pride. So as we commence to waving our colorful flags, fist pumping to house music, riding in on our unicorns and sprinkling pixie dust everywhere, let us remember why we gather here today. So, in honor of a fearless, resilient, trailblazing trans-woman of color, we'll start off with the powerful melody of "I Was Here" by none other than Queen Bey (feel free to wave your lighters side to side for this one). As Beyonce sings, "I will leave my mark so everyone will know I was here", we remember that we are a living testimony of that. Thank you Marsha. 

Keeping it on a somber but empowering vibe, we transition to "Diary" by Ms. Alicia Keys. Unfortunately, all the members of our LGBTQ+ family don't have the freedom to live out loud. Some of us are oppressed by cultural norms, religious beliefs, internal hatred, and fear and insecurities. No worries, Alicia wants you to know that "your secrets are safe with me, just think of me as the pages in your diary". 

Speaking of secrets, it's no secret that the LGBTQ+ community is frowned upon. I truly believe that their hatred stems more from ignorance, curiosity and fear than just hatred itself. "Who" we do and how we do it is no ones' business but if they ask why, in the wise words of Michael Jackson, "just tell them that it's human nature". And if they continue to ask questions, tell them "I like living this way, I like loving this way". Period!

As we find ourselves immersed in the virtual reality of social media, dependent on our dopamine hits of likes, comments and shares †o validate our self worth, let the words of Christina Aguilera  remind you that "you are beautiful, no matter what they say" and words can't bring you down. Despite all the judgement and condemnation our community experiences, always remember those words. 

Now we start to kick the energy up a notch. Let us take a moment to acknowledge and offer our continuous support to those directly and indirectly affected by the HIV & AIDS epidemic. We remember those we've lost, and those who are still fighting. We also take this moment to honor the lives lost to suicide, homicide, hate crimes, those who have been assaulted, brutalized by police, spiritually beaten down by society, those who feel unloved, unseen and misunderstood. With all the passion you have in you, shout along to Destiny's Child "Survivor" as they remind us that "we are survivors, keep on surviving"!

With this next song, we send a message to the Bible thumpers, the homophobes and anyone who believes that this lifestyle is a choice. Yo DJ: play "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga. Now we bring out the pixie dust! 

While we loudly and proudly let the world know we were born this way, let's relinquish labels and shallow standards of society with the late, great Prince's "Kiss". Come on, sing it, "you don't have to be rich to be my girl/ you don't have to be cool to rule my world/ aint no particular sign I'm more compatible with/ I just want your extra time and your ...kiss". This classic is sure to activate that two-step followed by some hip-swaying and finger snapping.

And since we're on the topic of kissing, this one is for our lesbians, bisexuals, bi-curious folk and anyone else who is into girls. Let everyone know that you "kissed a girl and liked it" with Katy Perry's "I Kissed A Girl". I'm sure plenty of us will be tasting cherry chapstick this month! 

We're going to stay on the 'L' train with this next one. This is a message for the "straight men" who don't seem to comprehend what the word lesbian means, who continue to shoot their shot and miss: "I like girls who like girls". Although sang by heterosexual male "PNB Rock", we still appreciate that portion of the song. Thanks for the catchy hook bro.

Now, I don't know about you but I'm ready to "Dance With Somebody"! Once you hear Whitney's voice projecting through the speakers, that's your cue to grab a stranger and feel the heat between your moving bodies. Catch the vibes and feel alive, exchange numbers, get married next week, who knows! (okay, maybe I went left with that one lol). 

That song can be quite the cardio workout, so we'll slow it down a bit with "Girl" by SYD since apparently dancing with somebody is the start of a new relationship (U-Haul coming soon!). So if someone approaches your new found lover, be sure she knows to "tell 'em you're my girl". The singles are on the prowl!

Keeping it on the slower side, we move into a more sexy vibe instructing her to "touch me, feel me, get to know me..." While Kehlani and Victoria Monet are in the back of the Porsche, you can set the mood even if your backseats belong to a Honda Accord. No one is judging. 

At this point, I think we can agree that the transition from party to naughty has us ready to head out and finish the celebration at home. So, we'll end off here and leave the rest to imagination. 

You don't have to go home, but...you know the rest! I hope you enjoyed the tunes as we took you to and from rainbowland. Continue to spread love throughout the world, show your true colors and most importantly: DO IT WITH PRIDE!!!