Pride Day: Understanding its Historical Context and the Importance of Uplifting People of Color in the LGBTQIAPN+ Community
June is recognized as Pride Month worldwide, with Pride Day celebrated on June 28th every year. This date signifies an important moment in history for the LGBTQIAPN+ community. On June 28th, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, leading to riots and protests throughout the city. These events marked a turning point in the fight for LGBTQIAPN+ rights and sparked the modern-day movement.
Before Stonewall, homosexuality was illegal in most countries, and those who identified as part of the LGBTQIAPN+ were often persecuted and marginalized. The Stonewall riots were a pivotal moment in queer history because they helped shed light on these injustices and paved the way to a more accepting society, even though we still have much to do to have a fairer and equal society.
It’s important to note that within the LGBTQIAPN+ community, there is often a lack of visibility and representation of people of color. This is despite the vital role that BIPOC and their activism have played in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights since the very beginning. Many BIPOC activists, such as Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, were instrumental in the Stonewall riots and subsequent activism.
Furthermore, LGBTQIAPN+ people of color often face intersecting forms of discrimination that compound and exacerbate their difficulties. This includes systemic racism, xenophobia, and transphobia, among other forms of oppression. The COVID-19 pandemic has also brought to light disparities in healthcare that disproportionately affect people of color, including queer individuals.
That’s why it’s important not only to acknowledge the contributions of BIPOC individuals in the LGBTQIAPN+ community but also to uplift and support them. The new Pride Flag takes this into consideration by having black and brown stripes, emphasizing the importance of BIPOC queer people in the community.
In closing, while Pride Day is an opportunity for celebration, reflection, and education, the fight for LGBTQIAPN+ rights is ongoing. We must continue to push toward greater acceptance and equality for all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation, gender identity, or race. By coming together in solidarity and support, we can make the world safer and more accepting for everyone. Down below, you can find some resources to educate yourself on these issues further. Happy Pride!
Resources
- The Human Rights Campaign (https://www.hrc.org/)
- The Audre Lorde Project (https://alp.org/)
- The Trevor Project (https://www.thetrevorproject.org/)
- Grupo Gay da Bahia (IG: @grupogaydabahia)
- Casa 1 (https://www.casaum.org/)
