What Pride Means to Me: A Personal LGBTQ+ Story of Growth, Love, and Scented Wellness

By Emilio Horton, LGBTQ+ Small Business Owner and Founder of You Me & Emilio

🏳️🌈 What Pride Really Means to Me

Pride Month is so much more than parades, flags, or even hashtags. For me, Pride is personal. It's about the deep, inner joy of finally becoming the person I always dreamed I could be. It’s the celebration of a journey—one filled with heartbreak, discovery, resilience, and ultimately, love. I’m not just talking about romantic love—I’m talking about love for myself, love for my community, and love for a life I fought to create.

When I see rainbow flags during June, I don’t just see colors. I see battles fought, rights won, and lives that were finally given the space to shine. I see my younger self—confused, scared, trying to fit into a world that didn’t yet have a space carved out for people like me. And now, I also see hope. I see younger generations growing up with the freedom to express themselves without fear. That’s the power of Pride.

🌟 My Story: From Hiding to Healing

I didn't always feel proud. In fact, I spent years hiding who I was. I played roles. I kept secrets. I tried to be what the world expected instead of who I truly was. And that internal silence? It’s deafening. It chips away at your soul, slowly convincing you that maybe your truth is too big, too bold, too much for the world to handle.

But eventually—through love, community, and a lot of soul-searching—I came out. And it was both terrifying and liberating. I stopped living for others, and I started living for me. That moment was my first real taste of Pride—not in a parade or a post, but in my own skin. That’s what Pride Month represents to me now: freedom, authenticity, and honoring the journey it takes to arrive there.

🛍️ Starting My LGBTQ-Owned Business: You Me & Emilio

Being proud also means creating with purpose. I founded You Me & Emilio, a handcrafted aromatherapy and lifestyle brand, not just to build a business—but to build a platform. My goal was to offer something beautiful, something personal, and something healing—not only for myself but for others too.

Everything I create—from soy wax candles, wax melts, room sprays, to essential oils and body care—is made with intentional love. Every scent tells a story. Every bottle or jar is infused with the heart of someone who knows what it means to struggle—and to rise.

💖 Serving with Purpose: Why I Do What I Do

When you shop from a small, LGBTQ-owned business, you’re doing more than making a purchase—you’re making a statement. You're saying: “I see you. I value you. I support your existence.”

At You Me & Emilio, I’ve made it my mission to help people create spaces they love—spaces that feel like healing. Whether you’re lighting a candle after a hard day or freshening up your living room with a calming mist, it’s about bringing wellness home. It’s about feeling seen, safe, and cared for.

✨ Our most popular wellness categories include:

• Luxury Soy Candles

• Therapeutic Essential Oils

• Travel-friendly Roll-ons

• Hydrating Body Wash and Splash

• Fresh Room Mists and Hotel-Inspired Diffusers

📦 Making Self-Care Effortless: Our Subscription Plans

I know how busy life gets—especially for entrepreneurs, caregivers, and anyone navigating the ups and downs of modern life. That’s why I created our Subscription Box Plans. You’ll never run out of your favorite scents or self-care essentials again.

✅ Subscription Perks:

• Free shipping on all orders $60+

• Curated seasonal scents

• Early access to limited editions

• Up to 20% off regular prices

• Exclusive surprise gifts

🌍 The Importance of Supporting LGBTQ+ Brands

Supporting LGBTQ+ businesses isn’t just about economic empowerment—it’s about visibility, inclusion, and love. Every sale, every review, and every follow helps amplify the voices of creators who may have once been pushed to the sidelines.

When you choose queer-owned brands like mine, you're choosing authenticity. You're helping fight erasure. You're helping someone like me live out loud.

✊ Reflecting on How Far We’ve Come

We still have a long way to go. Homophobia, transphobia, and discrimination still exist, even in 2025. But when I look back, I’m filled with gratitude for the progress we’ve made. More queer-owned brands are thriving. More LGBTQ+ kids are growing up with role models. More people are living proudly—unapologetically.

Pride Month isn’t just a celebration. It’s a reminder of what we’ve fought for. It’s also a call to keep fighting—for our rights, our safety, and our future.

📢 How You Can Make a Difference This Pride Month

Want to make a real impact during Pride Month (and beyond)? Here's how:

• Shop from LGBTQ+ businesses like YouMeAndEmilio.com

• Follow, like, and share our content on social media

• Leave a review and tell your friends

• Educate yourself on LGBTQ+ issues and history

• Donate to organizations supporting queer youth, trans rights, and healthcare access

🎉 Final Thoughts: Pride is Power, and Love is My Business Model

At the end of the day, Pride is my daily reality—not just a one-month celebration. It’s woven into every product I create, every message I send, every customer I serve. I’m so proud to be part of a community that values authenticity, compassion, and resilience. And I’m honored to share my journey—and my craft—with you.

So here’s to Pride. To healing. To wellness. And to a world where everyone feels safe to light their own candle and be exactly who they are.

With love and light,
Emilio Horton
Founder, You Me & Emilio