LGBTQ+ Pride and Its History
It is no surprise that the LGBTQ+ community has been the subject of discrimination and marginalization for centuries. The earliest evidence of the discrimination of LGBTQ+ persons is seen in the 14th century, when same-sex relationships were criminalized and punishable by death. Despite such severe consequences, LGBTQ+ persons have often been part of various societies and cultures, even prior to the current era. History is replete with examples of individuals and groups who have found innovative ways to love and express themselves, eventually paving the way for modern-day Pride celebrations.
As LGBTQ+ individuals courageously advocated for their rights, organized social movements emerged, culminating in the 1969 Stonewall Inn riots in New York, commonly referred to as the “birth of the modern Gay Rights Movement”. Often seen as the cornerstone of the modern-day LGBTQ+ Pride movement, the Stonewall riots, along with other brave protest marches and events, fostered an unprecedented level of visibility, awareness and freedom for the community, stimulating a global call to action, as well as an unparalleled level of mobilization and resistance.
A Brief History of LGBTQ+ Rights in the USA
The United States of America has a long and rich history when it comes to LGBTQ+ rights. In spite of the fact that homosexuality has been criminalized in the US since the arrival of the first European settlers in the 16th century, individuals and groups determined to live their lives openly and without shame have made significant progress in the last decade.
The earliest records of same-sex consensual relationships in the US date back to the 1700s, with the legalisation of same-sex marriages occurring in the 1830s. In the early 20th century, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights began to gain more traction, with various social movements and organizations pushing for the decriminalization of homosexuality.
The 1970s saw a significant advancement for LGBTQ+ individuals, as the American Psychiatric Association removed homosexuality from its list of mental disorders, and the first pride parade was held in Los Angeles in 1975.
In the following two decades, HIV/AIDS epidemic affected the queer community in a major way, as individuals faced discrimination and marginalization as a result of their HIV/AIDS status. Yet, despite this, the community continued to fight for their rights, utilizing civil disobedience tactics to demand equal rights and recognition.
Legislative Reforms: Major Milestones Towards Equality
The year 2003 marked a major breakthrough in the US LGBT+ rights movement, which resulted in the Supreme Court’s landmark decision to overturn laws criminalizing sodomy. This decision was a major victory for the LGBTQ+ community, as it was the first time the court explicitly overturned laws discriminating against same-sex relationships.
In 2009, President Obama signed the Hate Crimes Prevention Act, which increased the severity for sentencing for crimes motivated by hatred of someone’s race, religion, ethnic, and/or sexuality. This was followed by the repeal of Don’t Ask Don’t Tell in 2011, which allowed individuals who served in the military to do so without having to hide their identity with regards to sexual orientation.
The next milestone for LGBTQ+ rights in the US came in 2015, with the Supreme Court’s decision to overturn state bans on same-sex marriage. This set a precedent, allowing equality to prevail over institutional bigotry, discrimination, and marginalization. Becoming one of the most iconic moments in the LGBT+ movement, the passing of the act was an important step towards full equality of the LGBTQ+ community.
The Influence of Pop Culture on LGBTQ+ Rights
The representation of LGBTQ+ individuals in popular culture has played an essential role, increasing visibility, awareness and acceptance of LGBT+ individuals in the US. On television, programs such as Ellen Degeneres’ iconic “coming out” segment on her show in 1997, as well as other shows such as Modern Family, Glee, and Queer Eye, contributed to raising the visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community.
This was echoed in the fashion and beauty industry, with major brands and celebrities, like Marc Jacobs and Lady Gaga, utilizing their platforms to encourage the fight for equality and to express support for the LGBTQIA+ community. In addition, the music industry saw an influx of huge LGBTQ+ superstars, such as Elton John, Janelle Monae, Katy Perry, and Queen Latifah, who used their fame and influence to challenge gender roles and heterosexist norms.
The 21st Century and The Inclusion of Intersectionality
In spite of the major strides made in the past decade and a half for LGBT+ rights in the US, there is still much work to be done. Intersectionality, which is the exploration of how other forms of oppression, such as racism, gender inequity, poverty, and ableism, intersect with sexuality and gender identity, has become an integral part of the modern LGBT+ agenda.
Gay communities of color, as well as transgender and non-binary individuals, have sought to bring issues of homophobia, stigma, and even violence to the forefront of the national conversation. This trend has been further amplified by organizations and coalitions, such as The Human Rights Campaign and The National Center for Transgender Equality, which are working to create further awareness and initiatives for individuals facing multiple forms of oppression.
How to Celebrate LGBTQ+ Pride
As we break into the season of Pride, LGBTQ+ communities around the world will be gathering through Pride parades, rallies, and festivities. Throughout the month of June, Americans will be celebrating Pride in numerous ways, such as:
• Attending Pride Parades: Pride Parades are the essence of Pride, filled with music, dance, drag, and flags of all colors.
• Listening to LGBTQ+ Music: Music is an integral part of Pride and what better way to celebrate than to listen to the soundtrack of the movement?
• Participating in Virtual Events: With COVID-19 still looming large, it is more important than ever to support virtual events and activities in order to celebrate Pride in a safe way
• Donating to LGBTQ+ Charities: Organizations like HRC and The Trevor Project are engaged in major advocacy work for queer individuals and communities. Support their work by donating to causes that matter.
• Wearing Pride Gear: Wear tees, flags, pins and other Pride-themed apparel to show your visible support and solidarity
• Learning More: Educate yourself on the history of Pride and the issues and struggles LGBT+ individuals are facing today.
The history of Pride and LGBTQ+ rights in the United States is a long and winding one, often filled with challenges and obstacles. Yet, it has also borne witness to some of the most transformative moments in US history, celebrating the bravery and courage of individuals who have boldly proclaimed their right to live openly and honestly.
Today, we see Pride as a time to celebrate diversity and overcome differences, to appreciate resilience and honor those who have come before us. Let’s use this time to deepen our understanding of intersectionality, support those around us, and to participate in the ongoing fight for equality and progress for all.
