The last 18 months have been a time of chaos, reconsiderations of what is normal, and altered possibilities – all of which do not often come with ease or excitement. 

In most cases movement and change occur as a result of or in reaction to tragedy. In June 1969, members and supporters of the LGBTQIA+ community were enjoying a night in the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This location was no stranger to police raids. This night in particular, police raided the Stonewall Inn with force and violence. The patrons rebelled against this violence and discrimination with a six-day protest and violent clashes with law enforcement. From this period of chaos and tragedy, LGBTQIA+ Pride was born.  The subgroup of participants who deserve special recognition are the Transgender women of color, Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, who stood up to say “ENOUGH!” 

Pride month honors the resilience and determination of the LGBTQIA+ community.  While strides in equality initiatives have been made by the community, with every proverbial step forward someone or something pushes the movement back, losing the necessary momentum to create massive social change.  

Pride Month focuses on the visibility of a marginalized and targeted community that deserves total equality and unencumbered human rights. The LGBTQIA+ community experiences disproportionate rates of violence, discrimination, and mental health concerns. Although symbols for Pride Month are covered in glitter, rainbows, and smiling faces of scantily clad parade-attendees, it is vital to never forget its origins and that the fight is not over yet.  

Sometimes the strongest and most powerful images of pride are those of partners or whole families quietly having a meal, holding hands, or sharing a glance that says so much more than words alone because it should always be safe and possible for them to do so without consequence or stigma. Live freely, live lovingly, live with kindness. Happy Pride.