Pride Month

by Shane Foster

Pride Month is a month dedicated to the celebration and commemoration of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (now expanded to LGBTQ+) pride observed in the western world, and typically taking place in June as it provides the best weather for such events. This does of course mean that we are now in Pride Month for 2023.

Pride Month came into existence following the Stonewall Riots in New York, which was a series of gay liberation protests in 1969, however modern-day Pride Month both honours the movement for LGBTQ+ rights and celebrates its culture.

The concept for Pride Month followed a number of pride marches following the riots, and the number of LGBTQ+ groups rapidly increased, leading to the pride movement spreading across the US and beyond into the rest of the western world.

Pride Month is for everyone to embrace who they are, and let the world know - in style! The rainbow aptly signifies the colourful activities and flavours of this month-long celebration.

These celebrations include massive rallies, pride parades, parties, workshops, concerts, and countless more LGBTQ+ events to attract participants from all over the world. The pride community takes huge pride in their movement, going all out for the festivities with elaborate costumes, makeup, and, of course, glitter - so that they can sparkle for the whole world to see! 

If you are thinking of joining the celebrations of Pride Month, then grab a rainbow (or any other flag of your preference) and wave it with pride! Each of the rainbow flag’s original eight colours has a meaning: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sun, green for nature, turquoise for magic, blue for peace, and purple for spirit.

If you don’t have a flag, then wear your colours on a T-shirt, a hairband, or on the laces in your shoes. You could even paint your face with the colours that represent you, and don’t forget to be as creative as you like to show your support.

If there is a pride parade taking place near you, then run, walk, skip, or dance in the parade. You don’t need to identify as LGBTQ+ to attend a pride march, everyone is welcome to show their support for gay rights and equality for all, so check out what’s happening in your community and go join in the fun!

Remember that Pride Month is a time when the LGBTQ+ community comes together to celebrate the acceptance of sexual diversity, but that doesn’t mean you can’t join in, whoever and whatever you are.

It’s your chance to come out of your shell and join in with any number of parades, festivals, concerts, and events going on in your community. It also gives you the chance to meet new like-minded people, knowing that this is a celebration of acceptance and love.

The emphasis may be on fun, but it's also the perfect time to think about and discuss issues related to the gay rights movement, especially as it gets more attention from the media during this time - from gay marriage and adoption to transgender rights. 

Although huge strides have been made for equality over recent years, we all still have a long way to go, therefore Pride Month is a great opportunity to learn about the fight for what's right, and to pitch in as well!

And don’t forget, if you are planning to join in the activities of Pride Month and you need a new outfit, then look no further than Crossdressing Closet.

Have a great Pride Month.