Showing solidarity to LGBTQ: Why is June 'the pride month'
With the onset of June, chances are your social media feed has been flooded with events to show solidarity towards the LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer) community, this pride month i.e. June. Fortunately, the voice to not relegate the community to second-class citizens is growing louder by the day. But before you support them, here's all to know about the pride month.
First things first: Understanding the pride month
This year, June has been unofficially recognized as the pride month, and it has historical significance. In 1969, when queer people weren't allowed to meet, Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York provided them space. On June 28, police raided the bar. Drag queens and gays were forcefully taken to police vans and crowd threw bottles at them. Historically, this was the first major protest for LGBTQ rights.
After raid, the community chose to not stay silent
In the grim episode, bartenders and others who were fed up with police violence and treatment meted to the LGBT community, rose up. For a week that followed, thousands rioted near Stonewall Inn. The demonstration became the first-of-its-kind for the community. A year later, Stonewall riots were commemorated with the Gay Pride March. The pride month has only grown bigger with each passing year.
India, here's how you can show solidarity to LGBTQ
The pride month has become a worldwide phenomenon and India isn't far behind too. Celebrating the rights of LGBTQ community is extremely important in our country, because of the draconian IPC Section 377, that criminalizes homosexuality. If you are in Pune, you can participate in pride parade at 10:30 AM today at Sambhaji garden. The event is organized by Samapathik Trust.
If you can't be present, you can donate as well
Across cities like Mumbai, Delhi, Chennai, Kolkata, Bhubaneshwar and Bangalore, organizations are doing their bit to help the LGBTQ cause. If you can't attend the parades, you can donate money to help. Here are more details: https://insider.in/lgbtqia-solidarity. Spread the word, people.
