WHY DO WE CELEBRATE PRIDE MONTH?

June is already here, and it is observed as Pride month around the world. This month holds a lot of significance for the LGBTQIA+ community.

The LGBTQIA stands for Lesbian, Gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, and asexual. The plus at the end symbolizes gender fluid, omnisexual, pansexual, and more.

Pride is one of the first movements demanding recognition and equal rights for the LGBTQIA+ community. Since then, this movement has expanded, and June is termed a pride month dedicated to the recognition, activism, celebration, and appreciation of the members of this community.

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The challenges faced by the LGBTQIA community:

The LGBTQIA community has faced challenges in the past and even today. In many countries, homosexuality is considered a crime. In such societies, if people are found to be engaging in homosexual activities, they face a lot of opposition in the form of criminal charges, police brutality, and imprisonment.

The social stigma associated with it is subjected to discrimination, violence, and bias. As a result of this people who live in an abusive, stressful environment, face several violations and discrimination regularly. More than this, the fear of coming out to others leads to consequences like job loss, social exclusion, and expulsion from various organizations.

Also, being open about their orientation lead to a lot of harassment. Most countries, do not even have a legal process to protect the LGBTQIA community from such discrimination. Also, going to the police may not be a feasible option as they may even ridicule them.

For a very long time, transgender is being classified as a mental disorder in society. But it was recently that various organizations came forward and took a stand for it. The stigma faced by the community has led to many people struggling with several emotional concerns that include negative self-image, loneliness, etc. The lack of cultural and social support, along with all the struggles around self-acceptance make the LGBTQIA+ community even more vulnerable. They are surrounded by concerns like substance abuse, stress, anxiety, suicidal ideation, and self-harm.

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PRIDE: A movement that changed everything

After facing stigma and discrimination for years, the LGBTQIA+ community has started fighting back against oppression and inequality. This was how the Pride movement was started.

In 1978, a gay politician Harvey Milk commissioned a designer friend to come up with a unique symbol to highlight the Pride parade. So, the designer created a rainbow flag, and it became an international symbol for the LGBTQIA+ community.

Why should we celebrate Pride month?

Because the community is still fighting for their equal rights. Also, these days, the Pride movement has gained momentum and has become a vital part of their lives. Their participation in and celebration of Pride embosses confidence, resilience, and overall mental health.

1.) It brings validation and awareness

So, when people organize Pride marches and parades, they have the opportunity to validate their sense of self. They may not be able to identify with the people around them and maybe as an outsider. This can then have a profound impact on their mental well-being. Also, the Pride movement helps them an opportunity to represent themselves and feel complete. It is also a time to celebrate their acceptance and convey a message that everyone is equal.

2.) It creates a sense of social support

One of the major challenges any LGBTQIA+ community faces is the rejection of being different. Being a part of the Pride movement not only, helps other members of the community to find people like them who can offer care and support to them but also, gives them positivity to explore. Social support also helps people to deal with their challenges and setbacks.

3.) It promotes self-acceptance

Apart from celebrating pride month, Gay Pride is now celebrating various sexual orientation programs within the community. It is essentially a safe place for people of all identities. Also, promoting such orientations can help individuals to feel more comfortable in their skin.

4.) It encourages assertiveness

The Pride movement encourages assertiveness. It encourages people to express their true selves. Despite the stigma and discrimination, members of the LGBTQIA+ community will celebrate their identity and stand together against all the societal barriers.

5.) It encourages creativity

During Pride month, people find ways to express themselves creatively. They create paintings, sculptures, and music to celebrate themselves.

6.) It provides a purpose to them

Pride month is a social movement that raises awareness for other causes like immigration laws, body positivity, citizenship, and mental healthcare. When people volunteer for such activities, they become a part of something big. It helps them to find a purpose and meaning.

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So, celebrating a Pride movement is not just a social thing, it is a mental thing too. This movement stands for equal rights, body positivity, and self-acceptance. Hence, celebrate this special month by taking action for LGBTQIA+ community people and experiencing pride in their identity.