LGBTQ Pride Month has begun and the stakes seem higher than ever. Here is a brief history, www.history.com/… Since it was called Gay Pride Month, the name has changed to be more inclusive, with some choosing just “Pride Month”. So I use that as a shorthand, but as a standalone name “Pride Month” seems to me to erase the whole meaning to the month. I can think of lots of things for which pride would be inappropriate. No Bigot Pride, thanks!
As you know if you’re keeping up with the news, as LGBTQ+ people have gained some recognition and acceptance, there is a rising conservative backlash. From violence to legislation outlawing transgender medical care to boycotts of companies with rainbow apparel, this past year has seemed particularly fraught. Here’s one summary, www.cnn.com/…
I am none of the above, but I don’t have a “normal” American family history of husband and 2 children either. So even beyond just basic fellow feeling and human decency, I am a strong ally for my own sake. Why? Because acceptance of LGBTQ+ diversity means acceptance of a whole lot of diverse lifestyles. Which we should all want. It can be lonely, living outside the stereotypes of what you “should” be and do as a woman or man. We all need to be free to be our best selves.
So if you are interested in showing your allyship this month, or just having fun, there are various Pride Month activities all around the country and the world. If you can’t make it this month, there is still Pride 365. Here is a partial (!) list, www.gaytravel.com/… I know it’s partial because I already know of activities near me, and I checked and they are not on this list. So in addition to considering travel to Pride events, you can Google “pride activities near me 2023” and do something local. Be careful out there (this link includes everything from hydration to hiding), be culturally sensitive, and have fun!
