Microblog: As we step into the month of june, this article is here to teach you all you need to know to celebrate pride month
Throughout the month of June, the topic of sexuality steps into a spotlight on a global scale. You may have noticed increased gay rights discourse on the news, or companies suddenly changing their logos on social media to incorporate some sort of rainbow. Whether you’re a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, or simply someone interested in educating themselves about the importance of this historic month, this article is here to equip you with everything you need to know about Pride.
So what is pride and where does it come from?
The word gets thrown around a lot but what is the meaning behind Pride? To put it simply, Pride is a month-long celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, trans and queer rights. It seeks to bring visibility to members of this community and to commemorate the lives of those lost to issues such as HIV/Aids and hate crimes on account of their sexual orientation.
Pride was initially celebrated as “Gay Pride Day” on the last Sunday in June in the U.S but quickly spread over the decades and is now celebrated across the globe. After the Stonewall Riots kicked off on June 28th, 1969 after a police raiding in Greenwich Village, a neighbourhood in New York known for its gay bars, Pride was born. This event worked as a catalyst for the Gay Liberation Movement, sparking protests and campaigns for gay rights over the following decades.
How is pride celebrated today?
Today pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. According to Outright International, in 2021 Pride festivities were marked in at least 107 countries around the world.
Here in Glasgow is no different.
The charity Pride Glasgow is in charge of hosting a range of events over the course of the month. Speaking on the importance of the Pride march, Dame Barbra La Bush, a veteran of the event in Glasgow had this to say about the importance of the event:
"With the rising attacks against people who are LGBTQ+ it is more important than ever that people who support equality turn out and support the march and our communities."
So whether you're planning to attend a pride event this June, or simply showing your support at home, it's is important to remember the history behind what Pride is today, to recognise where the celebrations come from and to honour that legacy in the years to come. Wear your rainbow with pride!