A rainbow of pride

By: 
Wade Young, wade@montgomerymnnews.com

The subject of this column might be a little late, but the message is still as relevant as ever.

In the United States history, many groups have not been treated the same (women, blacks). In the beginning, they have been denied access to public places and not protected under certain laws (Nope, not touching last week’s SCOTUS decision).

One of the minority groups that had to endure these conditions was the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer/questioning) community. At a time, people who were romantic with the same-sex went to jail because it was illegal. They were often kicked out of parks and restaurants. Marriages were not an option for LGBTQ communities until June 26, 2015. If their significant other was sick, they were not allowed to be a medical advocate for their partner.

On June 28, 1969, The Stonewall Uprising was a series of events between police and LGBTQ+ protesters that stretched over six days in New York City. Remember, back then it was illegal to serve alcohol to a gay person until 1966, and in 1969, homosexuality was still considered a criminal offense.

This event was not the first time police raided a gay bar (Stonewall Inn), and it was not the first time LGBTQ+ people fought back, but the events that unfolded would change the nature of LGBTQ+ activism in the U.S.

On the first anniversary, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago. Thousands of LGBTQ+ people gathered to commemorate Stonewall and demonstrate equal rights.

The gay pride flag or LGBTQ+ Pride Flag uses rainbow colors that reflect the diversity of the LGBTQ+ community and the spectrum of human sexuality and gender.

June is full of weather-related rainbows. The Pride Flag is no different, only the flag wasn’t created as the result of a weather-related storm.

June is Pride Month when we celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. A lot has changed since the late 60s. Lesbian, gay, transsexual, and bisexual individuals can serve openly in the military. Same-sex couples can marry and adopt children.

In the US, the last Sunday in June was initially designated as “Gay Pride Day”, but the actual day can fluctuate. Celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts that attract millions of participants.

This Celebration is so important to so many that they’re allowed to not be afraid to be who they are. They have the freedom to express themselves, how they want and without judgment.

Like many celebrations, the Pride one has meaning and history. It is a great way for the LGBTQ+ community to express themselves without being judged.

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