Celebrating Pride Month

June is Pride Month across much of the world, a hugely important 30 days to celebrate, uplift and champion the LGBT+  people, cultures, communities and resistance in its fullness.Pride Month is more than just parades and rainbow flags. It’s a powerful reminder of the struggles and triumphs that have paved the way for LGBTQ+ acceptance and visibility, and a celebration of LGBTQ+ culture and self-worth.

With worldwide events throughout the years, equality has taken massive steps forward. Gay marriage is legal in many countries now, people are more comfortable being out, and violence against the LGBTQ+ community has declined. 

But the freedoms aren’t universal, and there is still persecution in many places.This Pride month comes at a time when it all too often feels like things are moving backwards rather than forwards for the LGBT+ community – and particularly for our trans community.

Across the world, LGBTQ+ communities continue to face persecution, criminalisation and political attack. In the UK, the impact of recent legal and political developments has intensified hostility towards trans people and threatens hard-won rights, dignity and access to public life. Globally, anti-LGBTQ+ legislation and rhetoric continue to put lives at risk. Remember Pride has always been political. It began as a protest and a riot.

In the early morning hours of June 28, 1969, the New York City  police department carried out a raid on the Stonewall Inn, a  popular Gay Bar in the Greenwich Village .

The move was a clear condemnation by law enforcement officials of the city's underground gay population .Yes it was a dive bar, but even that characterisation was optimistic, since it couldn't get a ligour license. It's drinks were bootlegged and heavily watered down. The contents of no bottle ever matched its label. There were no fire exits and there was no running water. 

But in that Greenwich Village Tavern, there was music, there was dancing, and there was freedom. It was a place of sanctuary, and one of the only places for New York's gay community to socialise and truly be themselves. 

Pror to 1962, same sex relationships were a felony in every state, making it illegal for people of the same sex to show affection towards one another, dance with each other or even just be together. often punished by lengthy prison sentences. 

Same-sex loving men and women met in secret, fearing the long-term consequences of exposure. Gender nonconforming indiiduals and cross-dressers might find themselves shunned to the fringes of society. Early efforts at LGBTQ+ activism had smoldered for years before Stonewall. 

There had been riots in other gay spaces before. And there had certainly been plenty of police raids at the Stonewall in the past. But the anger that erupted on this day when police attempted to arrest patrons of the Stonewall Inn, sparked a uprising that galvanised the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement as we know it today. 

It was a raid like so many others, but this time after some patrons and local residents witnessed  police barging into the bar, slamming people against the walls, calling them derogatory names, and then taking money from their wallets. 

When police finally let patrons out of the bar and ordered them to disperse they refused, and after an officer struck a prisoner on the head, they spontaneously fought back against years of oppression by hurling rocks and bottles at the police, anything in fact within arm's reach.

A number of people even wrestled a parking meter from the ground and tried to use it as a battering ram. The police, fearing for their safety, locked themseles inside the Stonewall Inn as the angry mob outside grew into the thousands. 

Some were attempting to set the property on fire.Following media coverage of the event, thousands protested and clashed with riot police over the next six days.Reinforcements were eventually able to get the crowd under control, well for one night at least. But people had discovered a power that they were not even aware they had, releasing a sense of pride and liberation.    

Shouts of 'gay power' and 'we shall overcome' could be heard down the street as support spread.It was a watershed for the worldwide gay rights movement, because it was the first time LGBTQ+ people had forcibly resisted the police. On Saturday, the windows of the Stonewall were boarded up and painted with gueer liberation slogans like 'We are Open,' 'Support Gay Power- C'mon in girls.' Hostile press coverage was also pinned to the boards, That night the crowd of protestors returned and were led in gay power cheers by a group of gay cheerleaders. 

There was sustained handholding, kissing, and posing which had appeared only fleetingly on the street before. Soon the crowd got restless "Let's go down the street and see what's happening girls," someone yelled. They did and were confronted by the Tactical Patrol Force, (originally set up to stop anti-vietnam war protests) Howeer, the TPF failed to break up the crowd, who in defiance sprayed them with rocks and other projectiles. 

The third day of rioting fell five days after the raid on the Stonewall Inn. On that day 1,000 people congregated at the bar and again took the cops on in the streets. Once the riots had subsided, protestors were filled with motivation to organise for their rights, the aftermath saw an explosion in gay movement organisation, pride and political activism. A year after the  riots, residents began marching on Christopher Street and Sixth Avenue. The date, June 28 was dubbed Christopher Street Liberation Day. Thousands of people marched the street while thousands of other people lined up alongside them to protest the treatment of theLGBTQ+ community at the hands of the law. With Stonewall, the spirit of 60's rebellion spread to LGBTQ+ people in New York and beyond, who found themseles liberated and part of a community, sparking a new sense of urgency about demanding tolerance for persecuted communities.

Inspired by New Yor's example, actiists in other cities including Los Angeles, San Fracisco, Boston and Chicago, organised gay pride celebrations that same year. The Stonewall uprising changed the state of play, and sent out a clear message that enough was enough and that it was time for the harassment and discrimination to end. I

t is important to recognise the fact the gay rights movement did not begin at Stonewall, there were gay activists  and calls for "gay power"well before tht early morning of June 28, 1969. What was different about Stonewall was that gay activists around the country and the world were prepared to commemorate it publicly. 

It was not the first rebellion, but it was the first to be called "the first" and that act of naming mattered, the uprising did mark a turning point, igniting a new atmosphere of militant gay liberation. Radical groups like the libertarian left wing Gay Liberation Front (GLF)  and the Gay Activists Alliance (GAA), were formed  in New York and beyond who sought links with the Black Panthers, the Womens Liberation movement and anti-war organisations. 

Similar organisations were soon created around the world including Canada, France, Brtain, Germany, Belgium, The Netherlands, Australia and New Zealandin, becoming a lasting force that would carry on for the next half-century and beyond.      

 The Stonewall Inn made headlines again in 2015, when its story came to the silver screen,  but critics at the time said that Stonewall depicted brave, cisgender white males as the unsung heroes of the movement, but in reality it was trans women of color, homeless queer people, sex workers, gay bi and pansexual people who were the riots heart and soul.    

The resisters who stood up to the police on this day could hardly have imagined that within 50 years, the United States and other Western countries would go from criminalising homosexuality to guranteering the equal right of same sex couples to marry. 

Despite the gains made since and why we celebrate Pride in June, ( beyond the sequins and the glitter, it remains a protest, not just an excuse to party) half a century on from the Stonewall Riots, the global LGBTQ+ community still faces significent problems. 

It was only as recently as 2017 that the UK Government finally issued a posthumous pardon to all gay or bi men who were convicted under pernicious sexual offences laws in the last century which enabled police to criminalise people for being gay or bi. 

In many South Asian and Middle Eastern, in fact around 70 counties  homosexuality is still illegal and in around 70 countries ,as far as the law goes punishable by death.Anti-gay bullying is still prevalent in schools and workplaces and anti LGBTQ+ sentiment is still being combatted across the world, Sadly there is still to much stigma attached for being who we are. 

But for many that fight has its roots in those dramatic riots in Greenwich all those years ago. The LGBTQ+  movement is still a work in progress, so any single acronym is just a working title. Many other groups could be added to the acronym, including queer, intersex, and loving people of all kinds who just don't fit in the conventional pink and blue boxes of gender. This movement is a rainbow coalition of communities.

The struggle will continue as long as governments do not fully respect and protect the "inherent dignity" and "egual and inalienable rights of all members of the human family" , as the preamble of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights so eloquently pronounces, regardless of their gender identity, gender expression, or sexual orientation. 

When we remember the Stonewall Rebellion, we should aso commit to common memory, think of the many rebels who thought they might be alone but found common ground in movements of popular resistance.We still have so much further to go in the fight for equality. With on going solidarity with other oppressed people across the world, with rage and love we can firmly find  our pride. The legacy of Stonewall remains as important as ever.

Pride marches and events honour this legacy, fostering a space for advocacy, celebration, and community support. It was only a few years later, back on July 1st 1972, when UK's first official Pride march historically took place in London, where an estimated 2,000 people attended as a courageous display of solidarity and defiance in the face of widespread discrimination.

It marked the beginning of a movement that would grow in strength and visibility over the following decades.Early Pride events in the UK served as demonstrations advocating for equal rights and the decriminalisation of homosexual acts, transforming over the years into vibrant festivals occurring across major cities like Manchester, Brighton, and London.  

The 1967 Sexual Offences Act partially decriminalised homosexuality, yet many LGBTQ+ individuals continued facing legal challenges, prompting further protests.Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Pride events proliferated across the UK, reflecting the community’s resilience and the increasing public support for LGBTQ+ rights.  

 Pride in the UK has seen significant milestones over the years. The decriminalization of homosexuality in England and Wales in 1967, Scotland in 1980, and Northern Ireland in 1982 laid the groundwork for further legal advancements. 

The introduction of Section 28, often known as ‘don’t say gay’, in 1988, which prohibited the “promotion” of homosexuality by local authorities, was met with fierce opposition and protest, further galvanizing the LGBTQ+ movement. The repeal of Section 28 in 2003 marked a significant victory for LGBTQ+ rights.  

The 21st century has witnessed landmark achievements such as the legalization of same-sex marriage in England, Wales, and Scotland in 2014 and in Northern Ireland in 2020. These legal advancements have been celebrated at Pride events, underscoring the progress made and the ongoing fight for equality.  Today Pride remains a crucial celebration for several reasons. Firstly, it serves as a powerful reminder of the struggles and sacrifices of those who fought for LGBTQ+ rights. Recognising this history is essential in understanding the progress made and the work still to be done.  

Secondly, Pride events provide a platform for visibility and representation. For many LGBTQ+ individuals, especially those in areas where acceptance may be lacking, Pride offers a sense of community and belonging. It is an opportunity to celebrate their identities openly and without fear.  Moreover, Pride fosters education and awareness. It challenges prejudices and misconceptions, promoting a culture of acceptance and understanding. Through Pride, allies can show their support, and broader society can learn about the diverse experiences and challenges faced by the LGBTQ+ community.  

Pride is more than a celebration; it is a powerful movement grounded in history and driven by the unwavering quest for equality. As we march forward, let us remember the past, celebrate the present, and strive for a future where diversity is not just acknowledged but embraced wholeheartedly. 

It’s important to note that the level of acceptance and the ability to hold public Pride events can vary greatly in many countries around the world. Many LGBTQ+ individuals face significant legal and social challenges, which can impact the visibility and safety of Pride celebrations.

I hope this pride month is one of continued celebration and solidarity. While I reflect on the history of pride and recognise that the struggles of the past have seen tremendous progress on LGBT+ issues, that progress is only won through continued effort, the maintenance and struggles of the future are still ongoing, and in places around the world there are still too few safe spaces for people to live as their authentic selves and find their communities.  As I reflect on the history and importance of Pride, the journey towards full equality is ongoing. Discrimination and inequality persist, making it vital for us to continue advocating for the rights of all LGBTQ+ individuals. By supporting Pride and other initiatives, we contribute to a future where everyone is respected and valued for who they are. 

Whether you are a part of the pride community or not, raising awareness this month is something that can help everyone to have a more free, equal and inclusive society. Everyone deserves to be loved, to be free, and to be happy. Relationships are such a central part of our lives that being able to be open about who we love helps people to be happier.  

When it comes to acceptance, accepting yourself first is key. Knowing that no matter who you are, you are a good person. Your identity is valid. You deserve to be yourself authentically and unapologetically. No one should have to live in fear because they have an LGBTQ+ identity.  

Until we can make this a reality, Pride is still needed. Advocacy is still needed. We need to tell our stories, make our voices heard, and show the next generation that they don’t need to live in fear.

While often associated with gay pride, Pride Month is a celebration of the entire LGBTQ+ community. It includes everyone who identifies outside the cisgender and heterosexual spheres, including those who identify as lesbian, bisexual, transgender, queer, non-binary, asexual, intersex, and all identities across the spectrum.  

Each identity within the LGBTQ+ community faces unique challenges. More recently, transgender and non-binary individuals have stepped up their fight for visibility and rights, while bisexual people combat erasure and asexual individuals work to gain broader recognition. Pride Month is a time to amplify all voices, ensuring no one feels overlooked or excluded.

Happy pride month. Sending love and solidarity to everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. We must never forget that Pride started as a protest against oppression, and it was trailblazing trans women of colour who led this protest. Pride is a time for celebration, but it is also a call to continue the fight for equity , justice and human rights for all. I am always so proud to stand in solidarity and love alongside the LGBTQIA+ community in their fight for these aims.