2SLGBTQIA+ PRIDE
The Stonewall Riots, which took place in New York City in June of 1969, was a launch pad for the Gay Pride Movement triggering protests and demands for equal rights. A year later, the first Gay Pride parade took place.
If you didn’t know, in the 1960’s in New York it was illegal for people to openly express their LGBTQ identities. After years of hiding and targeting from police, a group of customers at the Stonewall Inn, a local establishment known to welcome members of the LGBTQ community, decided to stand their ground during a police raid. Inarguably, the leader that night was Marsha P. Johnson, a black transgender woman. Ms. Johnson and this group of diverse queer people continued to stand their ground for 5 days. Without the work of Ms. Johnson and countless other black queer activists, we might not have Pride to celebrate.
That riot, is why we are here wrapping the world in rainbows. Why we are continuing to fight for equality for people to have the right to choose and openly express themselves no matter where they are in the world.
To date, there are only 29 out of 195 independent countries where gay marriage is legalized. That’s only 14.8% of the world where you can legally choose who you want to marry without the fear of legal prosecution.
People around the world still face violence and inequality, and in some countries torture, even execution; all because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. These are issues that should bother everyone. It has never been about the rainbows, it has been about the exposure and getting people to understand that 85% of the world can’t freely express who they are.
There are laws that need to be changed, education that needs to be had, and conversations that need to continue so that we may light up the lies that have been passed down about the 2SLGBTQIA+ community.
Here are some great ways to get involved with the community this month!
1. Donate time or money to LGBTQ organizations
There are lots of organizations that advocate for LGBTQ folks. These organizations do everything from fighting for LGBTQ rights and offering health services, to providing education grants and managing emergency helplines. These organizations need your donations of money and time. So donate or volunteer! The Trevor Project, PFLAG, True Colors, Family Equality Council, GLAAD, and The National Center for Transgender Equality are just a few of the amazing organizations you can get involved with.
2. Support LGBTQ businesses
It’s so important to shop smart and buy local, and there’s no better time than Pride Month to start supporting local businesses owned by LGBTQ folks. Looking to participate in Pride while on your summer vacation? Check out these 12 LGBT-friendly Hotels in the US! Even better than that, here are 20 queer and lesbian owned businesses for you to spend your money at. Not only will you find rad products, but you will also be supporting local communities. It’s a win-in!
3. Learn about the issues
Whether you identify as LGBTQ+ or not, it is so important to understand the issues that impact this community. The ACLU has a comprehensive list of legislation that affects LGBTQ rights around the country. Find out about the laws in your state and fight against any discrimination in your community. In addition to legislation, an important issue facing LGBTQ folks is mental health. 48% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered suicide in the past 12 months, versus 13% of heterosexual youth. Anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse are also more prevalent among LGBTQ adolescents. It’s so important to educate yourself on these issues and to find out how you can help.
4. Read LGBTQ Lit
It is essential to add some LGBTQ authors to your reading list, especially during Pride Month. There are so many amazing queer authors out there telling incredible stories. Not sure where to start? Here are 50 queer authors talking about the best LGBTQ books of all time! Get your summer reading on with wonderful books that include everything from humorous essays by David Sedaris to a heart wrenching graphic novel by Alison Bechdel.
5. Keep celebrating even after Pride Month ends
Everything included on this list is something that you can do every single month of the year! Pride Month is about love, acceptance and being proud of who you are. So whether it’s at a pride parade cheering on your favorite drag queens or at home trying to decide what book to read before bed, you can celebrate and support the LGBTQ community every single day.
