It was finally happening. The PRIDE flag was taking its majestic ride up the flagpole for the very first time in Oregon Coast Aquarium’s history. A large group of staff, volunteers, and community members were all watching this monumental event unfold. The energy felt both exciting and heavy. The flag carried the weight of so much endured, just for the right to exist. I was taken aback by my own tears. I felt overwhelmed by my emotions. I am incredibly proud to be an Oregon Coast Aquarium in Newport, Ore., employee; an organization fighting for not only numerous wildlife conservation efforts, but human rights efforts as well.

I have been in the animal care field since 2009, starting off as an education docent at New York Aquarium in Brooklyn, N.Y., where our team managed the touch pool that saw anywhere from 3,000-6,000 visitors a day in the peak of summer. Needless to say, zoological facilities have always had a direct connection to the communities they are surrounded by. Our voices have always been vital in spreading accurate information and educating the public on wildlife, husbandry and conservation. However, we haven’t always stepped out of our bubbles to address humanitarian efforts. I truly believe our planet is interconnected and it is our duty to protect the rights of all humans to exist. It can be argued we play a big role in the survival of wildlife, both negatively and positively. If humans cannot peacefully coexist with each other, how can we expect to coexist with wildlife?

I identify as a queer female, specifically pansexual. Yes, we get many frying pan jokes—they’re silly and I personally find them harmless. However, it took me years to come to terms with my own sexuality—because I was unable to see myself in various forms of media. Queer representation in books, TV shows and movies was slim to none when I was younger. There was also a lot of internalized homophobia on my part, growing up in an immigrant household in Brooklyn, N.Y.  I haven’t always been “out” at work but when you move to a new state with your female partner and proceed to buy a house together—it becomes increasingly difficult to live your queerness intimately. Of course, my partner and I are openly queer around our friends, family and peers. However, we don’t always feel comfortable flaunting our relationship; not all spaces are queer-friendly spaces.

Why should I have to fear for my life whenever I hold her hand? Why should I have to research hate crime statistics before moving to a new city? Why should I have to analyze every situation before outing my same-sex relationship to a stranger? My love is no different than their love. I have no intent to throw my queerness at someone as a threat, attack, or means of converting. I simply want my love to exist. To me, PRIDE means having no fear. PRIDE means that I can step into any space with my partner and hold her hand, without risking our lives in the process.

I am grateful for the big steps we have taken as a zoological community to stand up for human rights. We are consistently working to provide safer spaces for all who walk through our doors, regardless of skin color, gender identity, or sexuality. I am proud of the Association of Zoos and Aquariums for taking this stand and incredibly proud to work at Oregon Coast Aquarium. I hope this wave of acceptance and empathy continues to wash over our zoological community as a whole.