28.6.20

PRIDE


diary


#PRIDE
I don't think I truly understood until 2020

My knowledge of Pride was always associated with the bright Rainbow Flag, Midsumma Carnival and Mardi Gras... basically partying in celebration of being a part of the LGBTQIA community. I never really took a beat to trace back the history of my community to understand how this all came about. That behind all of the glitter and rainbows Pride celebrations were first created to commemorate the Stonewall Riots in America in June 1969. Advocate Marsha P. Johnson resisted arrest against police raids which helped to rally and spark the riots against police brutality and for rights for LGBTQIA people. The riots were key in the furthering the Gay Liberation Movement in America and around the world.

You don't get a guidebook when you are growing up and questioning your sexuality. You focus on what the hell is going on and what you are feeling rather than hitting straight into those history books for insight. There is no right or wrong way to discover your identity, especially being LGBTQIA its more of a matter of survival, a sink or swim mentality. It has taken me 29 years to get to a point where I'm seeking the knowledge about the history of my community to understand the struggle and fight that has led to us being able to celebrate #PRIDE. The Rainbow is more than a celebration, it is a symbol of visibility and the ongoing fight for that. For Gay, Lesbian Bisexual, Trans, Queer, Intersex and Allies, Pride is more than just a party.