WHY WE CELEBRATE GAY PRIDE IN JUNE

Worldwide, June is celebrated as GAY PRIDE month (for those of us who can) and is recognized as the month of acceptance to welcome diversity in communities regardless of sexual orientation. Celebrations during the month is meant to recognize the impact Gay, Lesbian and Transgender individuals have had on the world.

PRIDE marches are organized each year in June to celebrate gay pride in world-cities such as Toronto, Chicago, Los Angeles, London, Paris, Berlin, Rome, Sydney, Mexico City, etc. Gay and lesbian groups also celebrate this special time with picnics, parties, memorials for those lost from HIV and AIDS, and other group gathering events that attract thousands upon thousands of individuals. The international impact has been so influential to so many people that it makes for a perfect time for an organization to be a part of the festivities.

Why June? It was during this month in 1969 that riots outside the Stonewall Inn in New York began the modern Gay Rights Movement. Although there had been organizations and activists working for gay rights preceding this event, it was the response to this event did that makes it a milestone for the gay rights.

In a nutshell, in the 60's NY police regularly made raids on establishments that the gay community patronized. Raids were commonplace and held earlier in the day when establishments had few customers. However on June 28, 1969 the police raided Stonewall at 1 am when it was packed with clients, and were met with resistance that grew into a protest heard around the world that mobilized the gay community into action. For a more detailed and very interesting look at the start of the gay rights movement click here.

Although no one can pin-point exactly why this one incident brought the community together in such a force of solidarity I have my own theory: they raided Stonewall when drag queens were enforce.

Think about it - these are persons who have no qualms about sashe-ing around during the day (when they are not in costume) with long nails, plucked eyebrows, enduring public insults, ridicule and physical abuse - yet when in a dangerous situation they are still not afraid to speak their mind and do not give a shit what others think. I feel that on that day in 1969 they had enough of the raids and disrespect and fought back. I mean, some even refer to this date as the "hairpin drop heard around the world..."

I have always admired them for their strength - and am actually a bit scared of them.

Since Stonewall advances in rights fo the LGBT community has made large gains despite legal obstacles and the anti-gay rhetorhic of some religious organizations. Today, gay marriage is recognized in Belgium, Canada, Netherlands, South Africa and Spain, with same-sex civil unions recognized in a majority of developed nations. In the United States, advances are being made in this area with two states now recognizing gay marriage, and a number of states either recognizing same-sex civil unions or are in the midst of making a decision on this issue. The push is on for many states to include sexual-orientation as a protected class under discrimination laws.

Here in Chicago, PRIDE Week begins June 22nd culminating with the PRIDE parade - attended by at least 400,000 persons - on Sunday June 29th in Boystown.

(Click here for Chicago PRIDE information.)

Recently, some have questioned that with such advances in gay rights does the community still see the need to march each June. The answer is quite simple - we'll march until members of the LGBT community can stand equal with the same rights and protection as heterosexual couples.

Besides, we have to march each summer - it's written in the bible:

"PRIDE cometh before the fall......."