Pride Month is an opportunity for gay youth to understand they aren’t alone in a world where being straight seems to be the norm

Each year in June, Pride Month is celebrated around the globe to embrace, honour and recognize the LGBTQ+ community. The uprising of the Stonewall riots in 1969 sparked a liberation movement, urging the march forward towards equality and justice. The LGBTQ+ community has fought long and hard for their rights, and that’s precisely why we celebrate Pride!

The Stonewall Uprising was a courageous series of protests against discrimination and police harassment. Back then, being gay was considered a crime under the American constitution, leading to police raids on queer establishments like the iconic Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village. But on that fateful day of June 28, 1969, the LGBTQ+ community decided they had had enough and fought back, refusing to back down. Their bravery marked a turning point, gaining support from all corners of the world. It was a revolution that paved the way for the modern battle for equality.

The Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village neighborhood of Manhattan, New York City

On June 28, 1969, the Stonewall Inn was raided by the New York City Police Department with no warning.

Some sadly wonder why there isn’t straight pride. Despite the progress we’ve made, the LGBTQ+ community still faces countless challenges. Homophobic hate groups continue to target businesses, pride celebrations, and individuals, resulting in tragic casualties. Many basic rights that the LGBTQ+ community deserves are still not protected by federal law, making their lives more challenging than those of their heterosexual counterparts. From unfair treatment in schools and workplaces to exclusion from families and the heartbreaking reality of depression, self-harm, and even suicide, there are countless reasons why straight pride just doesn’t cut it:

– Straight people have never been thrown in jail just for being straight!
– Straight people have always had the right to say “I do” and legally marry.
– Straight people can travel without fear or worry about their own sexuality.
– Straight people aren’t being targeted and killed for simply being straight.
– Straight people don’t face denial of medical assistance just because they’re straight.
– Straight people don’t have to endure discrimination in schools or workplaces for being straight.

These reasons alone should make it crystal clear why we still need to embrace gay pride across the globe and why straight pride is simply unnecessary. Cis-gendered folks have nothing to fear when it comes to expressing their sexuality. We still need Pride Month—to create a safe space for our youth and to ignite further positive change in society.

A black transgender woman and a revolutionary LGBTQ+ rights activist, Marsha P. Johnson was one of the key figures during the Stonewall Riots at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. Her involvement in the events following the police raid on the bar, along with her fierce resistance against discrimination and mistreatment, helped spark the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.

There’s more—Pride Month serves a multitude of significant purposes:

Commemoration and Remembrance

Pride Month gives us a chance to honour the struggles and triumphs of LGBTQ+ individuals throughout history. It’s a time to remember and pay tribute to those who fought and paved the way for acceptance for the gay community.

Education, Visibility, Awareness, and Acceptance

Pride Month is an opportunity to promote acceptance and understanding of diverse gender identities. By raising awareness about their experiences, challenges, and contributions, we can break down stereotypes and misconceptions. Let’s encourage conversations that foster an inclusive and understanding society.

Advocacy and Activism

Pride events go beyond the rainbow-coloured parades, marching, and fabulous concerts, serving as platforms for advocating equal rights, fighting discrimination, and seeking social acceptance. Pride is all about standing up for LGBTQ+ rights!

While Pride Month is celebrated with exuberance in many countries, we must remember that the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community vary across cultures and countries. Beyond the glitz and glamour of the colourful parades and parties, there are still serious battles to be fought. So let’s keep the momentum going and work together towards achieving full equality. We’ve come a long way, but there is still more to be achieved in the fight for full equality.