Topical Talkers
Pride Month 2024.
Pride Month commemorates years of struggle for civil rights and the ongoing pursuit of equal justice under the law for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer community, as well as the accomplishments of LGBTQ individuals.
What is Pride Month?
Pride Month is an entire month dedicated to the uplifting of LGBTQ+ voices, a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and the support of LGBTQ+ rights. Throughout the month of June, nationwide, there have traditionally been parades, protests, drag performances, live theater and memorials and celebrations of life for members of the community who lost their lives to HIV/AIDS. It is part political activism, part celebration of all the LGBTQ+ community has achieved over the years.
What is the Pride symbol?
You probably knew that the rainbow flag created by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978 is used as a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride, but did you know that each colour on the flag has its own meaning? In the widely known six-colour flag, red is symbolic of life, orange is symbolic of healing, yellow is sunshine, green is nature, blue represents harmony and purple is spirit. In the original eight-colour flag, hot pink was included to represent sex and turquoise to represent magic/art.
There have been many variations on the flag. In 2021, the flag was altered by graphic designer Daniel Quasar to honour intersectional identities within the community, including black to represent diversity, brown to represent inclusivity and light blue, pink and white, which are the colours of the trans pride flag. That same year, activist Valentino Vecchietti added the intersex flag to Quasar’s Progress Pride Flag, with yellow portraying those who do not fit the gender binary and the purple circle symbolizing the wholeness of the intersex community.
Origins.
We celebrate in June to coincide with the catalyst of the Gay Liberation Movement, which was the Stonewall Uprising. As was common practice in many cities, the New York Police Department would occasionally raid bars and restaurants where gays and lesbians were known to gather. This occurred on June 28, 1969, when the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a bar in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan.
When the police aggressively dragged patrons and employees out of the bar, several people fought back against the NYPD, and a growing crowd of angry locals gathered in the streets. The confrontations quickly escalated and sparked six days of protests and violent clashes with the NYPD outside the Stonewall Inn on Christopher Street and throughout the neighborhood.
By the time the Stonewall Riots ended on July 2, 1969, the gay rights movement went from being a fringe issue largely ignored by politicians and the media to front-page news worldwide.
The Stonewall Inn was declared a historic landmark by the city of New York in 2015 and later named a national monument by former President Barack Obama in 2016.
In the United Kingdom, the first official Pride march took place in London in 1972. Since then, Pride Month has grown in significance, with cities across the UK hosting vibrant parades, events, and educational programs throughout June. It serves as a platform for LGBTQ+ individuals and allies to celebrate diversity, raise awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, and foster a sense of community and acceptance.
Over the years, Pride Month has expanded to encompass a wide range of activities, including art exhibitions, panel discussions, film screenings, and concerts. These events provide spaces for LGBTQ+ individuals to express themselves freely, share their stories, and create visibility for their experiences.
Pride Month also serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is ongoing. It encourages individuals and communities to advocate for legal protections against discrimination, work towards inclusive policies and legislation, and challenge societal prejudices that continue to marginalize LGBTQ+ individuals.
Pride Month 2024 is an opportunity to come together and celebrate the vibrant diversity of the LGBTQ+ community. By participating in Pride Month events, supporting LGBTQ+ organizations, and advocating for equality, we can contribute to a more inclusive and accepting society. Let us embrace the spirit of Pride Month, stand alongside the LGBTQ+ community, and work towards a world where love, acceptance, and equal rights are celebrated by all.
Here are some ways you can participate.
Getting involved in Pride Month allows you to actively support the LGBTQ+ community and contribute to a more inclusive society.
- Attend Pride Parades and Events: Check local listings for Pride parades, festivals, and events happening in your area. Participate in the vibrant celebrations, join marches, and immerse yourself in the supportive and inclusive atmosphere. These events are an opportunity to show solidarity and celebrate diversity while having a great time.
- Educate Yourself and Others: Take the time to learn about the history, struggles, and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Read books, watch films, listen to podcasts, and engage in conversations that foster understanding and empathy. Share your knowledge with others, particularly those who may be less familiar with LGBTQ+ issues, to promote acceptance and awareness.
- Support LGBTQ+ Organizations: Consider donating to LGBTQ+ charities and organizations that work towards promoting equality and providing support to the community. Volunteer your time or skills to help organize events or initiatives that uplift and empower LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Advocate for LGBTQ+ Rights: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and equality in your community and beyond. Engage in conversations, challenge discriminatory attitudes and behaviors, and support legislative changes that protect the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.
- Show Support on Social Media: Use your online platforms to show support for Pride Month. Share uplifting messages, stories of LGBTQ+ individuals, and resources related to LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. Use hashtags such as #PrideMonth2024 and #LoveIsLove to amplify the message of inclusivity and love.
What does LGBTQ+ stand for?
According to the Human Rights Campaign, LGBTQ+ is an acronym that stands for “lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (or “questioning”), with a “+” sign to recognize limitless sexual orientations and gender identities.
Free sweepers.
For Pride Month, we’ve created some free sweepers for you to use!
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