Pride: why should you care?

June is Pride month! It’s time to party, but also a time to reflect on the progress made for the LGBTQ+ community, as well as to look ahead to what still needs to be done.

In this blog post, we will discuss the history of Pride and why it is so important. We will also talk about how visibility plays a key role in advancing equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and families.

What is Pride exactly?

Pride is an annual celebration of the LGBTQ+ community that has been taking place since the 1970s. Pride events are typically held in major cities around the world and attract millions of participants and spectators. While Pride began as a protest against discrimination and violence toward LGBTQ+ people, it has since evolved into a celebration of diversity and inclusion. LGBTQ+ people have long been persecuted and discriminated against, to the point where many feel they must hide their true identity. This has led to a feeling of isolation and invisibility for many in the LGBTQ+ community. For many people, Pride is an opportunity to express their identity in a safe and welcoming environment. It is also a chance to show solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community and stand up for their rights. In recent years, Pride has become increasingly commercialized, but it remains an important event for many LGBTQIA+ people.

How did Pride month come about?

Pride Month is celebrated every June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which are widely considered to be the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. The Stonewall Riots were a series of protests and demonstrations that began on June 28th, 1969, after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. The raid sparked days of protests and riots, which ultimately led to the establishment of numerous LGBTQ+ rights organizations. Pride Month is now celebrated all over the world, and it provides an opportunity for people of all sexual orientations and gender identities to come together and celebrate their visibility and inclusion. Pride Month also serves as a reminder of how far the LGBTQ+ community has come and how much work still needs to be done to achieve full equality.

Why should non-LGBTQIA+ care about Pride?

For many LGBTQ+ people, Pride is the only time of year when they feel safe and accepted for who they are. Non-LGBTQ+ people may not understand the importance of Pride, but it’s essential for LGBTQ+ people to be visible and to have a space where they can be themselves without fear. When non-LGBTQ+ people show up at Pride events, it sends a message of support and acceptance. It shows LGBTQ+ people that they are not alone and that there are allies who care about their safety and equality. So if you’re not LGBTQ+, take the time to learn about why Pride is important. Show up at a Pride event, and show your support for the LGBTQ+ community.

Why is LGBTQ+ visibility so important anyway?

The LGBTQ+ community has faced a long history of discrimination and violence. In many parts of the world, they are still treated as second-class citizens, denied basic rights and protections. Even in countries where they are legally protected, they often face widespread hostility and rejection from family, friends, and society at large. This can lead to isolation, depression, and anxiety, as well as physical violence and even death.

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, visibility is essential. It helps to break down stereotypes and misconceptions, and it allows people to see that members of the LGBTQ+ community are just like everyone else. In addition, visibility helps to create a sense of belonging and acceptance. When we see people like us represented in the media, in our neighborhoods, and in our workplaces, it sends a powerful message that we are valued members of society. Additionally, visibility can help to advance equality for LGBTQ+ individuals and families. As more members of the LGBTQ+ community feel comfortable living openly and authentically, the world will become a more inclusive place for all.

In summary…

LGBTQ+ visibility is important now more than ever. The LGBTQ+ community has made great strides in recent years, but there is still much work to be done in order to achieve equality. Until then, they will continue to face challenges that most people cannot even imagine. We need to come together as a community and show our pride in order to create change.

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Let’s work together to make everyone feel included and loved during Pride Month and beyond.

Thanks for reading, and happy Pride!

Joanne Lockwood (she/her) is an Inclusion and Belonging Specialist with SEE Change Happen and works with organisations throughout the UK, Europe and Elsewhere – speaking, training, and consulting.

She can be reached via https://seechangehappen.co.uk