We Must Not Let Joy Dominate LGBTQ Pride
Let’s party as we protest
Today is June 1, the traditional start of LGBTQ Pride month. Today, we begin a month of remembering the 1969 Stonewall Riots, which didn’t literally begin a global push to end LGBTQ oppression, but which galvanized many queer people and which symbolize that beginning.
This morning, several friends and loved ones have wished me “Happy Pride.” I love the sentiment and always return it in kind, but with important caveats. Yes, Pride IS about joy, about celebrating our progress with parties, picnics and parades. But we can’t let joy dominate Pride. Not yet.
Many queer folks like me share personal stories of joy
During my own lifetime, I went from committing a brazen felony by lying about my sexual orientation on a security clearance questionnaire, to witnessing openly gay men and women elevated to the highest levels of national-security service.
I went from experiencing practically all Christian churches as relentless oppressors, to seeing openly gay Gene Robinson installed as a bishop in the Episcopalian Church.
