It was June 1969, and the Stonewall riots in Manhattan were a catalyst for the equal rights movement for LGBT people. Fifty-two years later, we are celebrating PRIDE in a big, bold way, all over the world and for a whole glorious month. The words “gay” or “queer” are no longer regarded as something shameful and wrong. “Queer” is now sexy, empowering, liberating, inclusive, and beautiful.
And, we are embracing even more ways to identify sexually and romantically:
Homosexual, pansexual, omnisexual, polysexual, bisexual, aceflux, asexual, demisexual, graysexual...
We can choose not only who we feel we are and how we identify and present ourselves, but we can also choose which “gender” we are attracted to and share our love with.
True equality is something meant for all of us, and how wonderful
to finally see the LGTBQIA community receiving the respect and
freedom it deserves.
For many of us in the animal rescue world that desire for equality; that respect for life and choice - that extends to all beings. This includes not just humans, but non-humans as well. We think animals should be allowed to express themselves (and yes, there are non traditional relationships in the animal kingdom as well). They should have a life free from harm and torture, one where they can choose their friends and their loves, and engage in activities that make them happy.
"This world would be a whole lot better if we just made an effort
to be less horrible to one another."
~ Ellen Page
Ellen Page is not only a very talented actress but a member and supporter of the LGBTQIA community and a vegan as well. We thank you Ellen for this statement and wholeheartedly agree. Let’s be better to each other, including animals. Let’s recognize the rights of every being. Let’s live and let live, let’s celebrate diversity, freedom, and love, for ALL.
An Annual LGBT Pride Celebration
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when
the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
As well as being a month long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.
The New York Pride Parade is one of the largest and most well known parades to take place, with an estimated 500,000 people participating in it by the time it had reached its 25th anniversary.
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change
within the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications.
Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness. #Pride2020
What were the Stonewall Riots?
The riots were prompted by a raid that took place during the early morning, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The LGBT community held a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations to protest against the raid and calling for the establishment of places that gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places there should be no fears of being arrested. The riots served as a catalyst for the rights of LGBT people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organisations have been formed. Not just in the US but around the world.
What is LGBT or Gay Pride?
It is a movement that celebrates sexual diversity. For lesbian, gay, bisexual
and transgender (LGBT) people it is a way of protesting about
discrimination and violence. It promotes their dignity, equal rights, self-
affirmation and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues
they face.