Friday 10-06-2022 - 11:47

The central question to consider is simply why DO we have Pride? There are many misconceptions and misunderstandings about what Pride aims to accomplish, and what it represents within the LGBTQIA+ community. Pride isn’t a queer invasion force, bent on taking over the world for its nefarious gay agenda, and it isn’t there to attack or to challenge people for being cisgender or heterosexual. Pride is born out of love and acceptance, not the desire for world domination. Pride is just that, being proud to be who you were born to be without fear and without judgement. So, what is it there for? As a history student I’m delighted to say we first need to look at its origins. The very first Pride event was held in New York City in June 1970 on the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots. Now, before you let the word ‘riot’ make up your mind on Pride events being a bad thing, remember that some of the most fundamental steps toward equality have been built on communities finally taking a stand - without them, we wouldn’t have women’s rights, civil rights, or many other basic liberties.  The first Pride march, known as the Christopher Street Liberation Day, saw between 3 and 5 thousand people march through the city of New York in celebration of the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. The growing visibility of LGBTQIA+ individuals as a result of the march helped activists progress throughout the 70s. This is one of the most important and fundamental aspects of Pride: visibility. 

Some people will doubtless be asking why, if we want equality, do we make a big deal of Pride when there’s no celebration for being straight. Is it unfair to have a celebration dedicated to being seen? Think of Pride kind of like a light-house on a foggy night - in those first days, living in a world where homosexuality is largely criminalised and you risk being kicked out of house and home for loving who you love, seeing Pride and knowing that you aren’t alone is a lifeline of light that keeps you from sinking. And sure, we’re lucky enough to live in a country where we won’t be arrested for sharing a hug with our partners in public, but that doesn’t mean everyone knows they’re accepted, or that everyone is safe in being open. In Britain alone, the LGBTQIA+ youth are more likely to find themselves homeless because of their sexual orientation, making up 24% of the young homeless population (Centrepoint, 2020). Conversion therapy may have recently been banned in the UK, but the bill excludes the trans community, an issue that Pride gives us a platform to address. In the US conversion therapy is still legal in at least half of its states (EqualDex, 2021). Consider these individuals, and the many others who may not be accepted or safe in coming out, and what Pride might mean to them. Thinking you’re alone or that your sexuality or identity is somehow wrong fogs your perception up, leaving people thinking there’s something wrong with them. Seeing people like you and knowing that you aren’t alone is such a powerful thing. Pride isn’t there to alienate anyone- it’s there to give people a home.

One of the things I’ve heard a few times is confusion about why we still have Pride today. Back in the day sure, but in this day and age? The LGBTQIA+ community has been equal for ages now, right? It might feel that way, but history tells a different story. Homosexuality was decriminalised in Britain in 1967, but don’t let that fool you. Being gay was only legal in private, and persecution of public affection rose in response. In 2003 the Sexual Offences Act (which still included homosexual intercourse) was finally repealed, but even then it would be another 10 years until civil partnerships were legalised. In America homosexuality wasn’t completely legal until 2003, but even today discrimination is a very real issue. There are many more facts and figures for different countries and years I could include, but the point is, having Pride doesn't mean special treatment, but a necessary moment of visibility, community and strength. Parts of our community have had the right to love and be loved freely for all of 20 years, but there are still those of us who suffer from the lack of protection that is sadly necessary. So maybe it isn’t perfectly equal that the LGBTQ+ community get a few public parades a year. Road closures, music, crowds, they’re all very frustrating. It’s equally as frustrating to know that we still have to fight to defend our community. Everyone needs to know that they aren’t alone, and that there are people like them out there. So, while it might be frustrating trying to understand just why the LGBTQIA+ community make such a big deal out of Pride, try to consider what it means to the people who can’t be openly who they are. 

Love, and give your love freely, because at the end of the day we’re all human, and no one should have to fight to be happy.