 Today, we live under uncertain times. Fear, aggression, and disdain for members of our community. All too much we see and hear on the news the uproar of injustice. For some this is all too much to handle and they hide in fear. Although to some this is a new feeling, but to the LGBTQ community, this is a normal disposition.
June 2020 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising Riots that took place in Manhattan. The LGBTQ community around the country celebrates and mourns this month for their fellow members. Those that have been freed by the chains of societal pressures to be who they want to be, and also to mourn the losses of cherished loved ones to prejudice and disease. With the climate in America as it is today, this is all the more reason to spread the message of unquestionable love for your neighbors and friends. By embracing the message are we able to move forward as a community and strengthen our collective efficacy towards one another. The First Pride Walk was held on June 28, 1970 in New York City. Just a year after the Stonewall Uprising. The walk was to commemorate the Uprising against government hostility, employment discrimination, anti-homosexual laws, and the control of gay bars by the mafia. The walk was originally to be named the Christopher Street Liberation Day, but to our enjoyment is now referred to as Pride Month. The First Pride Walk was small in comparison to todays standards, where only 5,000 members marched for equal rights. Today everything has changed. Many changes have occurred since the first riots. Just within the Philadelphia Area, the start of the Gayborhood has been warmly welcomed by Philadelphia residents. The Gayborhood is home to many LGBTQ friendly business, services, and restaurants. Here today is a thriving club and bar community that is a hot spot to partiers around the area. The Gayborhoods has become a beautiful symbol of acceptance and love within the Philadelphia area. This year is an especially important march. With the Black Lives Matter movement, the LGBTQ community is standing in solidarity. This years marches have been meant to amplify the voices of the Black Community to fight for social equality. A remarkably historical year with the push to reinforce social justice for both communities. Marchers shouting “ Racism ain’ta good look, honey” and “Racists sashay away!”. Enforcing the ideology that the march for equality is still not complete and looking towards a hopeful future. Opening the eyes of the community to become more involved in fighting against racism and fear has become a focal point around the globe. Understanding the issues may seem daunting to those new to the movements and community. But with this there is always help and assistance not far away. Learning how to overcome learned racism and discrimination, may only be as difficult as reaching out a hand to a fellow human. For more information about the LGBTQ community and overcoming learned racism, there are links provided below. Meghan Hall https://hiddencityphila.org/2014/02/the-roots-of-the-gayborhood-the-eve-of-a-milestone/ https://www.thetrevorproject.org https://www.cdc.gov/lgbthealth/youth-resources.htm https://www.loc.gov/lgbt-pride-month/about/ https://www.nationalsafeplace.org/lgbtq
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