From hiding in the shadows and honing the fear of coming out to loved ones, we live in the day when the LGBTQ+ community has now been recognized and somewhat accepted. This is not to say that there are no challenges, but the community has come a long way, and Pride month is proof of that. So, what is Pride month?
Pride Month is one whole month in the year dedicated to the celebration and support of LGBTQ+ culture, rights, and voices. Pride Month happens throughout June every year. June is both a celebration month and an activism month for the community.
Pride month is to celebrate the members of the LGBTQ+ community who lost their lives in the fight for freedom. To celebrate all that the community has achieved and fight for more freedom and recognition of our rights.
Across the country, the LGBTQ+ community rises up in pride and flies the rainbow flag. There are rallies, parties, memorials, drag performances, pride parades, and more in honor of the community and its members.
Why is Pride Month Important?
The month of June is very significant for the LGBTQ+ community because it was on the 28th of June 1969 that the gay community fought back for the first time. They refused the hate; they refused to bend their backs anymore and hide from who they were; they snapped, and it made all the difference decades later! This led to the famous Stonewall riot written in the sands of history. The Stonewall riot lasted for days with protests and marches all over the city, marking the beginning of freedom and the Gay liberation movement.
Pride month is important because it shows the community how far they have come. During this month, many can shamelessly flaunt their identities, come out of the closet and embrace who they truly are. Pride month is also about educating the ignorant, teaching people about tolerance and the history of pride.
During Pride month, members of the community flaunt a very colorful flag with a solid representation. Every color of the Pride flag has a significant meaning that every community member draws strength from. Hot pink for sex, orange for healing, green for nature, violet for spirit, indigo for harmony, and black and brown for inclusivity.
The entire community across the globe has risen from rejection, hate, intolerance, and inequality. This month brings the opportunity to show people the light while we enjoy the successes. Equality for all and unconditional love can only be possible if the community still suffers the effect of modern-day homophobia.
Pride month is a time for breaking out of preset societal molds and defining who we are. It’s genuinely bigger than the parades with the flag or the events; it’s an appreciation of the uniqueness of every individual’s identity.
Pride month is an ode to the community’s resilience, healing, hope, unique identities, and togetherness through trials. Pride month is a liberating season for members of the LGBTQIA+ community, and it should be celebrated.
Feel free to fly your pride flag anywhere and anytime. If you’re looking to support the community, there are so many charities that you can give to.