Pride month, most years, is ushered in under a delightfully unceremonious cloud of confetti. Excitement buzzes through the air as parades transform the everyday urban landscape into a moving party -- electric, glittery, and palpable. Feathers and boas abound, and rainbows can be found over doorways, on flags, in cars, and painted over some of our more intimate bodily organs. And although this June 28th marks the 50th anniversary of what many consider to be the beginning of the gay pride movement in America, pride month begun on a more sombre note this year. A note, perhaps, that echoed more accurately the riots and protests that created an awareness of deep-seated problems, instigated change, and birthed a movement.
Where it all began
In the first few hours of June 28th, 1969, eight officers charged with the task of maintaining ‘Public Morals’ stormed the Stonewall Inn, a bar and cornerstone of gay culture in New York City’s Greenwich Village. Raids like this weren’t uncommon, but there was something in the air on this particular night. Instead of compliance, the bar patrons fought back. What ensued is now referred to as the Stonewall Uprising, an event that sparked days (and now, years) of resistance to systemic oppression of LGBTQI + identifying people.
As we take a bit of time to reflect on the way the gay rights movement has transformed and evolved into what it is today, it’s important to acknowledge the gains as well as the shortcomings.
Pride today
Pride Parades draw hundreds of thousands (sometimes even millions) of people these days. We’ve come a long way from the police brutality and overt prejudice of the 1970s and the AIDS crisis of the 1980s and 1990s. Obama officially acknowledged June as Pride month. Gay marriage is legal, and gay couples are able to legally adopt children in all 50 states. And as of Monday, the Supreme Court ruled into effect a law that protects gay and transgender workers from workplace discrimination. And although we’re of the belief that this should have happened sooner, we’re still glad it did.
But where there have been some huge victories (the sustained fight for LGBTQ equality in the United States has largely been seen as one of the more momentous cultural victories of our time), there is still a lot of work to do.
LGBTQI + people face continued discrimination and are victims of an appaling number of hate crimes (one in five committed in the US are due to sexual orientation, and another 2% committed because of gender identity), while trangender individuals are on the receiving end of an epidemic of violent crime, with trans women of colour being particularly vulnerable to these attacks. LGBTQ youth are at a higher risk of having health issues due to substance abuse and mental health issues, and trans individuals can be refused health cover simply for identifying as trans.
And although it’s really important that we campaign for legislative changes, so much of the march towards equal rights is about the decisive steps we take as individuals to educate ourselves and engage with those around us to make a lasting impact. Beyond June, and Pride Month, and the LGBTQI + movement, pride is about love, acceptance, and celebrating who you are.
Our stance
Ever since the get-go, we’ve supported the LGBTQI + movement and done our best to showcase a diversity that properly represents the bricolage of human experience and expression. We know that we still have a whole lot more to learn, and we’re always trying to work out ways to seek out the kind of knowledge that opens our eyes to a deeper understanding. We’ve learned (and continue to learn) from our queer members and take their lead in collaborations. We connect people to resources that assist in navigating difficult times. We commit to being visibly supportive because we believe it creates a more inclusive culture, on and offline. We do our bit to increase awareness of inequality through the channels we have. On the app and through social media, we continue to provide a platform that celebrates community with LGBTQI + specific poses and prompts. We listen. We spread the love.
You have more power than you may think. Your actions can create the change you want to see. Whether it’s mustering the courage to speak up about issues within your social circle, donating to relevant organisations, attending a rally, or calling a legislator to express your concern personally, what you do can really make a difference.
Hop into our Facebook group and connect with our beautiful and diverse community if you’re interested in learning more and joining the conversation.
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