As the globe prepares to commemorate Pride Month in June, one might ask what it is and why we commemorate it (especially given the stigmas and lack of awareness that still exist).
What is Pride Month?
Every June, the globe commemorates Pride Month, which honours the LGBTQ population and their right to a decent existence. Pride is about people coming together to demonstrate and celebrate how far gay rights have progressed. Moreover, how much work needs to be done.
Equality, acceptance, education on pride history, and, above all, love are all important aspects of Pride Month. Throughout the month, we educate others and ourselves about the dangers of homophobia and why it must be eradicated. It’s about being proud of yourself, regardless of who you love. Read more here.
Why do we celebrate Pride Month?
The Stonewall Riots of 1969 served as the impetus for Pride.
The Stonewall Uprising took place in New York City on June 28, 1969. The NYPD would routinely raid LGBT nightclubs and harass the LGBTQ community at the time. The American Constitution also contained rules prohibiting homosexuality at the time.
Greenwich Village’s Stonewall Inn, one of the most popular homosexual pubs, was also frequently raided. However, all hell broke loose on that particular day in June, when the LGBTQ community pushed back and protested for many days. This had a long-term positive impact on the planet.
The following year, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, Christopher Street Liberation Day, the first official Pride march was held, and the practise has continued to this day.
Global Pride Month 2021
On the Global Pride Day, around the world, there are usually colourful parades, concerts, and marches. However, because the Covid-19 epidemic is still present, many people will commemorate it online.
LGBTQ people and allies have fought hard since 1969 to give the LGBTQ community the right to marry, adopt children, start families, fight discrimination, hate speech, and hate crimes, and simply allow queer people to exist. While we should be proud of our achievements, we must also remain realistic and recognise that we still have a long way to go.
Google Doodle Honours Dr. Frank Kameny
On Wednesday, the Google Doodle honours Dr. Frank Kameny, an American astronomer, veteran, and gay rights activist who is widely regarded as one of the most influential individuals in the United States LGBTQ rights movement.
Franklin Edward Kameny was born on May 21, 1925, in Queens, New York. When he was 15, he enrolled at Queens College to study physics. He served in the army during WWII and earned a doctorate in astronomy from Harvard University after his return to the United States.
Hope that this stigma and discrimination will end soon. Moreover, take a major leap in bringing about a much wider change at global level.
