Every year around June, as the streets erupt in colors the world celebrates pride month as a testament to the history, the struggles and the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride month is about acceptance, equality and celebrating the work of the LGBTQIA+ people, education in queer history and raising awareness of issues affecting the LGBTQIA+ community. As we reflect on these events, let’s remember the past: 1969 Stonewall riot in New York City, the beginning of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement. The present: a celebration of identity and love. Look to the future: a reminder of the ongoing fights for equality and acceptance.
Is Pride Month still necessary?
A lot of people still ask why pride month is necessary and for some people outside the community they may feel that it's not needed anymore. But there are many reasons why pride month is still important and needed. As a gay person, I'd like to share with you how I think celebrating Pride can be a good thing for society.
Looking back:
Pride started as a protest called The Stonewall Riot which started because the police tried to raid the Stonewall in in New York City. Pride month offers a moment to reflect on significant milestones and figures and to honor those who are part of the most important gay rights protest. It wasn't until 1999 that June officially became pride month in the USA it is since grown into a massive worldwide celebration.
It's not just gay pride and rainbows
Many people still refer to it as gay pride, but pride encompasses everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community, including allies. Unfortunately, there is good and evil in any group; there are people in our community who are transphobic, biphobic, and racist, just as some people outside of it. Pride is about breaking down barriers so that individuals feel like they belong, regardless of whether they are transgender, non-binary, bisexual, black, brown, or any combination of these. This also explains the evolution of our pride flag, with each new colour added to the rainbow demonstrating that pride is for everyone. While it cannot solve all of our problems, it is a small step in the right direction towards inclusivity.
Raising awareness around issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community
Pride Month is not juts about celebrating, but also a time to raise awareness on issues we may expereince. It’s a time when the community and its allies rally together and push the agenda of equality, challenge discriminatory laws, and fight for the civil rights of all members. There are countries where existing laws outlawing homosexuality have been tightened while the death penalty is still legally prescribed as punishment for same-sex acts in many African, Middle Eastern, and East Asian countries.
Between 2016 and 2021 the number of reported hate crimes against LGBTQIA+ people more than doubled. LGBTQIA+ people continue to face unequal treatment in workplaces, healthcare, and other areas of life. The alarming rates of suicide and self-harm within the LGBTQIA+ community demands urgent attention. Open dialogue and access to mental health resources are critical in preventing these tragic outcomes. A survey conducted by The Trevor Project revealed that within the past year, 45% of LGBTQIA+ young individuals gave serious thought to taking their own lives, with 14% making actual attempts. Pride shines a light on unique issues, so that we may face them together.
Creating a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people
Pride is about creating a safe space for people to celebrate a part of themselves they hide from society. There is power invisibility and representation and for those who feel marginalized or misunderstood for them to be able to see themselves reflected in the stories across the media and leadership roles can be profoundly empowering. These spaces, whether physical community centers, supportive businesses, or virtual like forums and social media platforms, play an important role in fostering a sense of belonging and community. Additionally, the involvement of businesses, organizations and charities in creating inclusive environments helps extend the spirit of Pride beyond just one month, weaving acceptance and support into the fabric of everyday life.
Tales of Colours celebrates Pride Month by highlighting the LGBTQ+ community's rich history, vivid variety, and resilient spirit. But we incorporate our pride into our designs so that Pride Month may continue throughout the year as a reminder of what we have accomplished and what remains to be done. Our commitment to sustainability is matched by our commitment to inclusion, as we try to empower and elevate every individual via our actions and designs. Let us carry the Pride torch throughout the year, pushing for a world where everyone may live freely and proudly.
We invite you to share how you're celebrating Pride and what it means to you in the comments below. Let’s continue the conversation and support each other in our journeys toward acceptance and equality.
Happy Pride Month! Until next time, stay colorful.
Tales of Colors.