Why is Pride important?
As the slogan goes: "the first Pride was a riot." At its core, Pride's mission is to fight for a world without discrimination and equal rights. But it's also a celebration that promotes queer joy and visibility, which is as important now as it ever was.
What's the history of Pride month?
On June 28, 1969, undercover NYPD officers entered the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village that was routinely raided by police, and arrested employees, drag queens, and patrons. Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, two transgender women of color, are credited with throwing the first bottles or bricks that began six nights of protests - and police brutality. It was not the first uprising, but these events at Stonewall accelerated the global LGBTQ+ rights movement. This is why we celebrate Pride every June.
What are some good resources for learning more about Pride Month?
Locally, the Victorian Pride Centre, which is Australia's first purpose-built hub for LGBTQIA+ communities, is a fantastic investment for all to benefit from. In their words: "It is home to practical and supportive services and will grow into a destination for visitors from across Australia, and beyond." Beyond Pride Month, I'm inspired by the work that the below organisations are continuously driving:
- Minus18 - Minus18 is a national organization dedicated to supporting LGBTQIA+ youth in Australia. They provide resources, events, and safe spaces for young people.
- Rainbow Health Victoria - Rainbow Health Victoria focuses on promoting LGBTQIA+ inclusive healthcare practices in Victoria. They offer resources, training, and research to improve health outcomes for the community.
- Switchboard Victoria - Switchboard Victoria offers a helpline, online chat, and resources for LGBTO1A+ individuals, their families, and allies in Victoria.
How can we find out about local Pride events happening near?
Melbourne's biggest annual LGBTIA+ festival is Midsumma, which runs for several weeks across January and February. Victoria's Pride also happens earlier in the year, but there are still plenty of smaller Pride events happening during Pride Month. Victorian Pride Centre hosts many of these: https://pridecentre.org.au/events/category/pride-month/.
How can we build an atmosphere of inclusion, regardless of our personal or religious views?
I love this question. The powerful thing about this is that everyone can contribute to an atmosphere of inclusion by creating spaces that value and respect all individuals. Through celebrating diversity, practicing allyship, engaging in selreflection, and committing to continuous growth, we're stronger for our differences than our similarities.
A few practical examples are:
- Self-education: There are incredible films, literature, and TV series that represent the queer experience. Top of mind, and y heart, is: 'The Birdcage' (1996), By Don't Cry' (1999), 'Milk (2008), 'Carol' (2015)', 'Brokeback Mountain' (2005), 'Call Mn By Your Name' (2017) and 'Gentleman Jack' (TV Series 2019-2022). These stories offer moving insight into the history of the lived, queer experience.
- Be politically engaged: Voting against laws that directly impact the civil rights of LGBTQIA+ communities and using your voice where it counts. According to Human Dignity Trust (httos://www.humandignitytrust.ora/lgbt-the-law/map-of-criminalisation/) there are still 66 jurisdictions that criminalise consensual same-sex sexual activity, and 12 countries where the death penalty is imposed.
- Allyship for the next generation: There's power in the purchases we make for those around us. For example, buying children's books, with minority group representation, for the young ones in our lives. Or, showing up as an ally for a friend, peer, family member, or colleague who needs a judgement-free space and an openness to understanding their experience.
