@sparrowsion@meow.social There's a story that during WW1 some Bloomsburyish poet was accosted by a middle-aged lady who demanded to know why he wasn't off in the trenches fighting to save civilization. "Madam,", he supposedly said, "I am the civilization they are fighting to save." (So far as I can make out, the story isn't actually true, but it's a good story anyway.) Those pride events are _for_ you much more than they're _demanded of_ you. You should feel zero guilt or shame about not going if going is difficult.