LGBTQ+ Pride Is Absolutely Still Necessary
Start writing a post
Politics and Activism

We still Need Gay Pride Because Gay Rights Aren't Human Rights yet

It's a protest, not a party

112
We still Need Gay Pride Because Gay Rights Aren't Human Rights yet
Josh Wilburne

If you aren't aware, June is Pride Month for the LGBTQ+ community. But every time it rolls around, people start asking the same questions: "Why do we even need gay pride?" or "Why isn't there a straight pride?" To give the short answer, Pride is not a party, it's a protest. But you probably want the long one as well.

To address the first question, we need to look at the history of the LGBTQ+ community. You see, for the vast majority of history and even today, members of the LGBTQ+ community have been discriminated against and persecuted. There isn't a lot of recorded history of how queer people lived because, up until the 1960s, there was no way to even come out. There are some speculations about who may have been queer in the past, but very little solid evidence.

Let's not forget that gay marriage has only been legal in the US since 2015. And there are still people working to limit the civil rights of queer people through laws that would restrict bathroom usage and allow for discrimination under religious pretenses. And don't even get me started on the violence against transgendered people. In 2018, there have already been 12 transgendered people violently murdered among the others who have been assaulted because of their queer identity.

And that's just in the US. In 74 countries, it is still illegal to be gay, with the punishment being death in some of them. Not to mention Chechnya, where suspected gays are being threatened, beaten, and killed.

Pride has been used as a way to push back from anti-LGBTQ+ ideology. Even the very first pride, in 1970, was to celebrate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, an event that forced the LGBTQ+ community to become more visible and really push for equal rights. Now, most major cities have a Pride celebration of some sort. While it usually looks like a party (and is so fun, really you should check it out) it is still a protest. We are still working towards the same goal that they were a year after Stonewall. Whenever we celebrate Pride, we are saying that we are not ashamed of who we are and that we will not stay silent any longer.

Now to answer the second question, "why isn't there a straight pride," we must ask another question: "Have straight people ever needed Pride?" No. They haven't. Now, saying that straight people shouldn't have Pride doesn't mean they can't be proud of themselves, but they don't need it the same way queer people do. Never in the history of the world has a straight person been discriminated against for their sexual and gender identity. They've never been turned down for jobs or housing because of it and have always been allowed to get married. So, yes, be proud of who you are, but understand that queer Pride is a different kind of pride and is used for different reasons.

The LGBTQ+ community still needs pride. And we are going to keep celebrating it until all queer people everywhere have equal rights and are protected from discrimination whether you like it or not.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Featured

Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain

Michigan rain vs. California rain (at Calvin College).

1016
Michigan Rain Vs. California Rain
ifunny

SO, I've just recently had the fortunate experience to be reminded just how Michigan rains. Now, before you roll your eyes at me, I HAVE EXPERIENCED RAIN (in regards of the the popular joke that Californians haven't). However, I have to agree; after experiencing one of Michigan's thunderstorms (with my college's sirens blaring in the background), it comes to mind just how different "rain" is between the two states:

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener

Ever wanted to check out EDM music, but didn't know where to start? Look no further! Start here.

5118
21 EDM Songs for a Non-EDM Listener
www.wallpapersafari.com

If you have been following me for a long time, then you know I write about two main things: relateable articles and communication media based articles. Now, it is time for me to combine the two. For those of you that don't know, I am a radio DJ at IUP, and I DJ for a show called BPM (Beats Per Minute). It is an EDM, or electronic dance music, based show and I absolutely love it.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

100 Reasons to Choose Happiness

Happy Moments to Brighten Your Day!

24226
A man with a white beard and mustache wearing a hat

As any other person on this planet, it sometimes can be hard to find the good in things. However, as I have always tried my hardest to find happiness in any and every moment and just generally always try to find the best in every situation, I have realized that your own happiness is much more important than people often think. Finding the good in any situation can help you to find happiness in some of the simplest and unexpected places.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me

This one's for you, Spock.

9667
6 Things Owning A Cat Has Taught Me
Liz Abere

Owning a pet can get difficult and expensive. Sometimes, their vet bills cost hundreds of dollars just for one visit. On top of that, pets also need food, a wee wee pad for a dog, a litter box with litter for a cat, toys, and treats. Besides having to spend hundreds of dollars on them, they provide a great companion and are almost always there when you need to talk to someone. For the past six years, I have been the proud owner of my purebred Bengal cat named Spock. Although he's only seven years and four months old, he's taught me so much. Here's a few of the things that he has taught me.

Keep Reading...Show less
Featured

Kinder Self - Eyes

You're Your Own Best Friend

10603
Kinder Self - Eyes
Pexels

It's fun to see all of the selfies on social media, they are everywhere. I see pictures with pouty lips, duck lips and pucker lips. I see smokey eyes, huge fake lashes and nicely done nose jobs, boob jobs and butt lifts. Women working out in spandex, tiny tops and flip flops. I see tight abs and firm butts, manicured nails and toes, up dos and flowing hair. "Wow", I think to myself," I could apply tons of make-up, spend an hour on my hair, pose all day and not look like that. Maybe I need a longer stick!"

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments