Love is like a parasite….hear me out! It just needs a host to multiply and share with others; there’s no question of gender, race, class, or disabilities. It just happens.
The LGBTQ community had no propaganda; they only had a simple request for permission to live with love.
But as the rules of society go, those who don’t “conform” should be forcibly transformed into civil citizens. Most gays and lesbians were subjected to conversion therapy and forced chemical castration.
The US, in the 60s, had declared war against love. In the anti-communist era, Senator Joesph McCarthy issued an immediate warrant against communists, anarchists, or “Un-American.” With no logic whatsoever, even gays and lesbians were included in this roster.
Plus, the rising tension of the AIDS epidemic. And the increasing hate crimes against homosexuals. The Gay Liberation Movement had reached its breaking point. And it all boils down to this one day– when the uprising began.
What Led To The Pride Month?
With several US legislations against gay rights, most closeted people would secretly meet in reserved clubs and bars. According to a few regulations, anyone caught in homosexual activity would be immediately arrested. Police would randomly hijack any public space to capture them.
The New York State Liquor Authority would simply penalize these establishments and shut them down under the pretext of “disorderly conduct.” Although it was so evident that the implication was– a gathering of homosexuals is in itself boisterous.
One such raid at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich, Lower Manhattan, changed the course of history. Since gay bars were legally prohibited, these secret bars were owned by mafia groups. People were relatively safe to meet under the mafia’s secured premises.
But on 28th June 1969, Police raided the bar with numerous warrants. They manhandled the patrons, arrested 13 random people, and even violated the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statute, where female officers would take cross-dressing individuals in the washroom to check their sex.
This exploitation had tipped the water over the edge. And an aura of rebellion filled the Greenwich village, with patrons and neighboring residents would just assemble in front of the bar.
The authorities got hold of this behavior and started roughhousing the people for no reason. People were left injured, and property was damaged. The Gay Rights Activists and Allies started a movement to condemn this unwarranted violence with protests.
As the police violence intensified, people began to retaliate, leading to full-blown riots. This continued for five more days, as chronicled in the Village Voice. After these accounts were exposed to people nationwide, the riots finally ended.
When Was Pride Month Officially Started?
The pride celebration started a year later to commemorate the relentless fight against discrimination during the Stonewall uprising. For the course of a month, people would celebrate their orientation and identity with pride parades, picnics, parties, synopsis, workshops, concerts, and more.
The first pride parade was held on 28th June 1970.
Does Pride Parade Happen Every Year?
Pride Month is celebrated every year in the US and internationally. This month is now associated with focusing on improving and normalizing LGBTQ conditions. It is also a way for young adults to come to terms with their preferences and get the courage to come out to their loved ones.
In the current era, the trans movement has become the epicenter considering the growing transphobia and hate crimes.
Fun Fact: The São Paulo Gay Pride Parade in Brazil is listed by Guinness World Records 2006 as the world’s largest Pride parade, with 2.5 million people. And the recent 2022 Pride Parade March in NYC was the biggest pride parade in North America, with over 5 million in attendance.
What do you think of the Stonewall Rebellion? Do you participate in the parade as a part of the community or even as an ally? What are your thoughts on Transgender activism?
Let us know your thoughts in the comment section below.
Recent Comments