6 reasons why Pride Month is for everyone

Rainbow flags, loud and bright parades, and awareness programs are what the month of June provides every year as the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate Pride Month. Here are six reasons why Pride Month is important for everyone:

#1. Remembering History. 

Pride month highlights the historical moments that got the LGBTQ+ community where they are in America. The 1969 Stonewall Inn Riots, where gay rights activists actively fought against police outside the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in the Greenwich Village section of New York City, is a moment that very few activists are unfamiliar with. These moments are so important to learn about, because it demonstrates how this hatred and discrimination has been rooted in America for so long, and it cannot be forgotten. Other important milestones such as the legalization of gay marriage, gay rights, and the start of transgender rights are also vital parts of Pride, being as they opened so many opportunities to the same people whom they were taken from. 

#2 Raising Awareness of LGBTQ+ Issues.

The issues that the LGBTQ+ community faces range simply from the scarcity of representation and equality, to restricted health care access, hardship finding housing, and employment issues. The most drastic issue is the potential dangers with every encounter, and knowing death is always an option. Pride Month takes the time to bring awareness and educate everyone on these topics, which sheds light on the community and makes sure they aren’t overshadowed. 

#3 Encouraging Self Acceptance.

One of the most important messages in Pride is self-acceptance. Everyone’s journey to self-acceptance and self-love is different since no one is identical. Accepting and loving someone’s identity and individuality regardless of their background is extremely important. It also brings a fresh and positive perspective to the LGBTQ+ community. 

#4 Expressing and Acknowledging Allyship.

Even if someone doesn’t identify themselves on the queer spectrum, showing love and unconditional support to the community is vital. Allyship isn’t exclusive to the 30 days in June. With all the hate in the world, creating safe spaces and welcoming any and every one no matter how they identify is a crucial role for allies to play for the community, so they should be acknowledged. 

#5 Honoring the Activists.

Honoring the Queer Rights activists who worked so hard to get the community thus far is important. Marsha P. Johnson was a black trans woman who passionately fought for her own and the rights of the LGBTQ community while putting her safety on the line. Michael Sam became the first openly gay man to be drafted by a football team in the NFL in 2014, which resulted in a disheartening time. After being traded from team to team, Sam retired due to mental health, but not without sharing his first-hand experience with discrimination and homophobia, which brought attention to the still very real problems the community faces.

#6 Celebrating Love. 

Everyone’s definition of love and how to show it is different. Regardless of one’s view, love is an important and beautiful part of life. Pride aims to break the barriers of conventional gender identity and heterosexual relationships, by celebrating love and identity individuality. Gender is a spectrum, and everyone should be able to proudly claim their spot on it. Pride is a celebration of love in any form and welcomes everyone to come as they are.