It will be one year Sunday since the Supreme Court of the United States held up a 5-4 decision that the fundamental right to marry is guaranteed to same-sex couples. That day, June 26, 2015, will forever be an important day in the lives of the LGBT+ community.

Another important day was June 12, 2016. This was the day we were suddenly forced to remember how hateful some people can be towards this community that only wants to love. In the wake of the shooting in Orlando, the entire LGBT+ community, has been on edge.

This month I have had the privilege of attending two different Pride Festivals in Columbus and Dayton. Getting to celebrate love for an entire weekend helped ease the pain of the sickening act that took place at Pulse Night Club.

As I sat on the curb during the three-hour-long Columbus Pride Parade, I yelled “Happy Pride” 70 times, blew kisses to 100 different people, shook the hands of several Franklin County politicians, and saw people let go, dance, and be happy. I was hugged and told I was loved, by strangers, and I saw those same strangers thank police officers for being there to keep us safe.

In a world that is so focused on straight white people, it was nice to be around people who were celebrating their differences. The LGBT+ community and it’s supporters are so different and diverse, and most importantly full of love.

Everywhere I turned, there were people proud to be themselves. There were floats adorning “Orlando Proud” and shirts that said “I stand with Orlando.” This community has somehow rallied to love even harder than they already do.

I attended a drag show Friday night. When the opening act came on, it was announced all the tips would be given to the Pulse Night Club. As the music started, people pushed to the stage with 20, 50, and 100 dollar bills. I stood in the crowd forcing back tears as the drag queen lip synced “True Colors” by Cyndi Lauper, and people made selfless contributions; showing again, how full of love this community really is.

There are politicians, religious leaders, and what have you, that have said letting gay people marry would somehow change something. It’s been a year and the only change I have really witnessed is the confidence in gay people to come out sooner and louder; and embrace who they really are with a little less fear.

Even though the shooting brought back a lot of this fear, and we’re still grieving for the lives lost in Orlando, over 600,000 people poured into the streets of Columbus last weekend to break record attendance numbers and celebrate their pride with rainbows, glitter, and pure happiness.

There was a lady sitting next to me at the parade who proudly held up a sign that said, “God does not hate.” And on the other side it said, “Love is love.” Little reminders like this were all through the Pride Festival, with shirts and other apparel, and ministers giving out blessings. Everywhere you turned you were reminded, “You are loved.”

Now if only we could embrace the same happiness and love shown at festivals like these in our everyday lives (and maybe this 2016 presidential campaign season).