Pride Is More Than Rainbows, Flags, and Fun
But it’s okay to celebrate.
A couple of weeks ago my family and I went to our first Pride celebration in more than a year due to COVID restrictions. We were all so excited about seeing so many vibrant colors, happy faces, and passionate flag-waving. These are often the first things many folks notice at Pride events. But it’s not all about rainbows, queens, and fabulousness.
The Importance of Pride
The first gay pride parades marked the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Riots — the catalyst of the LGBTQ+ movement in America. Los Angeles, Chicago, New York, and San Francisco all hosted the marching of protestors from within the LGBTQ+ community. The recognition of those at Stonewall and those first Pride marches have since become yearly celebratory events throughout June every year here in the United States.
It’s easy to get caught up in the celebration side of Pride, but the need for protest is still relevant today. There is legislature passing and trying to pass that discriminates specifically against transgender individuals. Voting and continuing to make our voices heard against such prejudicial laws and attempts are still so important.
And as rough as it is right now in the U.S. it is far worse in many other places around the globe. There are still countries today that prescribe stoning to death for same-sex conduct. Others use flogging as a deterrent for continued same-sex activity. There is far too much oppression, discrimination, and victimization of LGBTQ+ folks that still continues all over the world.
As allies and advocates, we are not done improving the world and making it safe to be part of the LGBTQ+ community. There is a lot of work left to do.
It’s okay to celebrate.
With all that said, I think Pride Month is also a time to connect with others in the LGBTQ+ community, a time to be visible to the world as our most fabulously authentic selves, a time to embrace who we are and feel proud of our identities, and a time to celebrate in support of family and friends.
Celebrating at Pride events and in parade marches does not take away our diligence in fighting for what is right. It’s our pep rally before the big game — every other moment that lies ahead that will require us to speak out or stand up for equality for all.
So I hope you celebrated this month with friends and family. I hope you dressed up fabulously, waved your flag of choice, and enjoyed the drag queens and kings performing fiercely on stages.
Grab 10 Questions Every Parent Should Ask Their Transgender Teen.
Zada Kent is creator of LGBTQueer-ies & proud parent to her transgender son.
