Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. Why June? this was when the Stonewall Riots took place in 1969.
It is a movement that celebrates sexual diversity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and anything else that people identify as. It is a way of protesting about discrimination and violence. It promotes their dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation.
Pride month is a chance for the LGBTQ+ community to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues they face.
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBTQ+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness.
What were the Stonewall Riots?
The June 1969 riots at New York City’s Stonewall Inn marked a raucous turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Police raids on gay bars were common, but on that particular night, members of the city’s LGBTQ+ community decided to fight back – sparking an uprising that would launch a new era of resistance and revolution.Over the years since the event, many gay rights organisations have been formed all over the world.
How did the June celebration start?
Brenda Howard organised the first LGBTQ+ March, known as “Mother of Pride”, as well as sparking the idea for a week of events around Pride Day. This further developed into the annual celebrations for all LGBTQ+ which are held in June every year.
INFO is a safe space for all of our LGBTQ+ friends in the community, we encourage all young people to arrange to come in and we want to help you all feel supported.
If you have any questions or want to speak to someone we have Dylan from VIVA with us https://www.vivalgbt.co.uk/ at INFO on a Wednesday, you can contact a member of their team to arrange to book an appointment to come in for a chat.
Living in a world where there is a stigma surrounding the LGBTQ+ community is hard and often doesn’t acknowledge the struggles you face in your day to day lives – these issues can come from a range of factors such as discrimination, isolation, rejection and homophobia. We want to end the stigma, we need to work together to change this.
Another great resource is https://beta.theproudtrust.org/
INFO is now open Monday to Friday from 11:30am if you want to speak to a youth worker about anything at all, we are always there to support you! 01978 295600 / infoshop@wrexham.gov.uk
