Every year on May 17, we stand together to honor the strength, resilience, and beauty of us. In a world that too often tries to silence, shame, or erase us, we continue to live, love, and thrive unapologetically. I want to say how deeply proud I am of every single one of you. For surviving, for resisting, for dreaming, and for showing up for one another even when the world doesn’t.

Whether you are out, questioning, with allies around you, hiding behind the keyboard at your home or still finding your way… you are part of the community. You are loved. You are not alone.

Despite the challenges we face as queer Ethiopians, especially online where hate can spread easily, we continue to rise. Our resilience is not just in surviving, but in creating joy, building chosen families, and continuing to hope and fight for a world where we are safe. So today, and every day, I celebrate us. We are still here. We are still proud. And we will continue to rise together.