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Is Pride [Month] Every Really Over?

  • Hannah Claridge
  • Jul 5, 2021
  • 3 min read

Updated: Jul 13, 2021



Pride month has come to an end, which is understandable as there are many different months that celebrate different aspects of life. However, as with all things there is an argument that arises out of this, namely the idea that pride shouldn’t be celebrated in just one month but all year round.


It is clearly a good thing that there is a specific month that is so clearly and more importantly publicly dedicated to LGBTQ+ pride. It is my assumption that when companies, public figures and anything or anyone else of the like demonstrate support for pride that it does show an awareness and makes people feel less insecure or unseen. However, there inevitably comes the argument that these companies are just ticking a box. They are just showing their support for this community and then forget about them for the rest of the year; which ultimately completely defeats the purpose of celebrating pride at all.


Similarly, I read an article about the fact that Harry Kane wore his captain’s armband in the colours of the LGBTQ+ flag as well as the German captain [who’s name alludes me . . . I don’t know anything about football]. What shocked me in this article was that there was some discussion amongst the FA about whether this was seen as a political statement, which they aren’t allowed to make. With them ultimately allowing them to be worn. It surprised me that showing support for another human might be considered a political statement. I don’t really think human rights are up for debate! It demonstrated to me that people are still unsure about the LGBTQ+ community, or more importantly showing their support when they have such a large fan base.


I suppose you could suggest that June is considered the month where we celebrate pride, where we look at all the positives and highlight the importance of that. Then for the rest of time the focus is more on the continuing struggle of many LGBTQ+ people around the world. Which might be the case but the companies that show their support for pride need to continue to donate profits to these charities and organisations all year round. I have seen pride themed products that pledge to donate a percentage of their profits to LGBTQ+ charities a number of times. The idea that I am trying to get across here is that these charities don’t need support for only one month out of the year, they need continual support. It is shocking enough that people from the LGBTQ+ need this support in the first place – to continue fighting for their rights that is!


Some might also suggest that pride month is also a period when LGBTQ+ histories and stories are brought more into the public eye – I know from experience that any teaching of these stories is seriously lacking in the UK education system. So pride month helps these stories to become more public knowledge, to keep them in discussion especially in circles that aren’t a part of the LGBTQ+ community. Which is extremely important, if you aren’t actively involved in any way in the LGBTQ+ community then you are less likely to be aware of the important and significant aspects of their history. Notable examples being the legalisation that repealed the illegality of homosexuality, the Stonewall riots and the Mathew Shephard hate crime. All of which are often brought up during pride month in order to highlight both the struggles and the victories of the community. All of these are so clearly important and need to be brought up often. This is so the public can see the struggles that LGBTQ+ people have had to endure throughout history.


It is also important during pride month to bring to light the struggles that are still going on around the world today. To draw comparisons with previous struggles, particularly in countries where homosexuality is still illegal, so that a larger support network can be built up. This helps people to recognise the continuing need to push for change, the need to continue showing support to these people. This is why pride month is so important and I am in no way denying the importance of pride month. The need to not only understand the struggles but to also celebrate. Being part of the LGBTQ+ community isn’t just about talking about the struggles but also about celebrating the diversity of the community and to – evidently – show pride.

Ultimately, I am completely agreeing with the importance of pride month but there needs to be recognition all year round. There needs to be continuing support from these companies and these public figures. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights doesn’t start an end in June it is year-round and so the support should be as well!


A List of great LGBTQ+ charities to support

 
 
 

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