Ahh, June. It’s the most wonderful time of the year. That’s right—it’s Pride Month!
There are rainbows and events galore as people from all walks of life celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. It’s a time of celebration, yes. But it’s also a month for reflection and solidarity, as we commemorate the LGBTQIA+ community and its struggles, triumphs, and ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
How Pride came to be
While today Pride is often thought of as marches, parties, and fun, it started as a protest against discrimination.
Pride’s origins can be traced back long before the Stonewall Uprising of 1969, a pivotal moment in LGBTQIA+ history. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a well-known Queer bar in New York City. This time there was one difference, though. Frustrated by relentless discrimination and police harassment, bar patrons, particularly transgender women of color, fought back. The uprising lasted for several days, spurring other acts of resistance around the country.
On June 28, 1970, a year after the Stonewall Uprising, the first Pride march took place in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago as a way of commemorating the events of the last year. The rest, as they say, is history.
Why we celebrate
Today, June is known as Pride Month. It serves as a reminder of the progress made and the challenges that still lie ahead. It's also an opportunity to honor the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community, embracing individuals of all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions.
Pride fosters a sense of belonging and empowerment, encouraging people to embrace their authentic selves without fear of judgment or discrimination, something that’s still not guaranteed to everyone.
How to get involved
If you’re looking to make the most out of Pride, there are countless ways to show support and solidarity during Pride Month. Here are some suggestions:
Attend Pride events: From parades and festivals to panel discussions and art exhibitions, Pride offers a multitude of opportunities to connect with the LGBTQIA+ people and celebrate their resilience and diversity. Check local listings for events in your area and join in the festivities. Hosting an event? You might want to consider using a .gay domain name to make it easier for folks to find you.
Educate yourself: Take the time to learn about LGBTQIA+ history, issues, and experiences. Engage with books, films, podcasts, and online resources created by queer voices. Understanding the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community is crucial in fostering empathy and promoting allyship. If you need some suggestions, ohhey.gay is a good place to start.
Support LGBTQIA+ organizations: If you’re financially able to, donate to LGBTQIA+ organizations and nonprofits that provide vital resources, support, and advocacy for the community. Whether it's a local community center, a national advocacy group, or a crisis hotline, every contribution makes a difference. Don’t forget that your time is valuable, too! If you have skills that could be useful or time to spare, reach out and see if you can help. You can find a list of LGBTQIA+ organizations here.
Amplify LGBTQIA+ voices: Use your platform to elevate the voices and stories of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Share their experiences, achievements, and struggles on social media, and advocate for inclusive representation in the media, workplace, and beyond.
Be an ally: Stand up against discrimination and bigotry whenever you encounter it—it can be really helpful for the LGBTQIA+ people in your life if an ally does the emotional heavy lifting of why a “joke” isn’t actually funny or why a policy is discriminatory. Where possible, educate others on the importance of LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Most of all, be a supportive friend, family member, or colleague to the people in your life.
Embracing diversity and love:
At its core, Pride is a celebration of love in all its forms. It's a testament to the resilience, strength, and beauty of the Queer community. As we commemorate Pride Month, let’s honor those who paved the way for progress, celebrate the victories achieved, and recommit ourselves to the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance for all. Happy Pride, y’all!