Happy Wednesday Scribblers, are you all having a wonderful week? This week launches World Pride Month. A time to celebrate our differences and our uniqueness. This time of year can bring joy to so many as well as uncertainty and fear for others.
Pride started as the Stonewall riots in New York back in 1969. They weren’t out dancing and celebrating; they were fighting for their lives. These pioneers fought to be recognized as humans who had a right to live and love as they chose. So much has changed since those hot summer nights. But the struggle, not only here, but worldwide, is ongoing for many on the queer spectrum.
This struggle is real for every queer person, even today.
As each generation of queer youth takes up the charge, let’s not forget all those who fought for us. They were not perfect (none of us are) remember they lived in a different world. Don’t forget that because we cannot isolate ourselves or fight amongst ourselves. There are others waiting for us to show our underbelly. We, as a queer community, need to lift each other up. Respect each other. Learn from each other. The world continues to change and grow, but casting aside those who came before us, because their views of the world might be different, or they might not fully understand the new generation of queers. Or because they might not be fashionable. No, that is wrong. Remember, these past generations lived in a world that would sooner see them dead on the street than recognize them as human. And this vile sentiment is alive and well today.
So, this year as you celebrate, remember those who came before and their sacrifice. Remember they weren’t perfect. Remember you aren’t perfect. Remember in a few years, you’re going to be seen as out of date. Out of touch. Outdated and old. The next generation of queers may even want to cast you aside. Don’t let them do that to you and don’t do that to those who fought before you. We are all one queer family. We put the ‘fun’ in ‘disfunction’. We are the light people gravitate to when the world is at its darkest because we know how to fight. We know how to love. We know how to be one family. We know what Pride means. We are strong and they all know it. Don’t be the reason for other queers to be uncertain or fearful. We fight best when we fight as one.
No matter where you land on the queer spectrum, remember you are loved, you are valued, you are beautiful, and the world wouldn’t shine as bright if you weren’t in it. Let me know in the comments below how you celebrate (or don’t celebrate Pride). Please consider sharing this post on your social media sites, it really helps, as does clicking on this little heart below. Until next time, have a great week and Happy Pride!