The Gay Pride celebrations that we hear about happening all over the globe didn’t just come about to celebrate diversity and the liberation of the LGBTIQ community. It has a foundation that dates back to June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn at Greenwich Village, Manhattan, New York City. Back then, it wasn’t a colourful celebration like what we see now – it was a battle for Gay and Lesbian rights more commonly known as the Stonewall Riots. The crowd that participated in the Stonewall Riots were a mixture of hippies, civil rights activists and even tourists supporting the cause. In a nutshell, it was a protest that got down to having a brawl with the police and mafia involvement, all for the cause of a plea from “gay power” and rights.
To this day, the Stonewall Riots will never be forgotten as the base history of the gay pride celebrations. Originally, the pride month celebration is done annually, specifically on the whole month of June. But for other countries, they also hold their own pride celebrations with no less than festive and extravagant themes that have become a must-experience for travel junkies who support the LGBTQI community. You might wonder why June was the chosen month for the annual LGBT pride celebration – as mentioned earlier it was the month when the Stonewall Riots took place way back in 1969.
Who thought about starting the June Gay Pride Celebration?
It was Brenda Howard who was known as the “Mother of Pride” that organized and coordinated the whole gay pride/ LGBT pride march. That includes the concept of having various activities that run for a week during the so-called “Pride Month”.
What is LGBT or Gay Pride exactly?
It may be all about parties, parades and a colour splash of rainbows everywhere but before you jump in to the occasion, the LGBT or lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender come up with their protests that tackles on discrimination and violence against the community. Also, it promotes equal rights, self-affirmation and the strengthening of society's awareness with the issues the revolves around the LGBT community. Overall, it creates a safe space for the LGBTQI community where they can be themselves, be liberated and know that they can express and celebrate themselves without the usual hindrances. To add, nowadays, you might encounter the acronym “LGBTIQ”. It only means lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex and queer/questioning.
Now that you know a thing or two about the Gay Pride celebrations and the reason behind it, get to know and do some research on Gay Pride calendars of your country or even those from our neighbouring countries and support the cause worldwide! Johnnies Closet is one with the LGBTIQ community is celebrating the flambouyant and extravagant festivities of Gay Pride. The mens underwear and mens lingerie shop presents Gay Pride themed garments that show support and representation to the cause, letting you in with the mood of the parades, festivals and parties! Visit Johnnies Closet at www.johnniescloset.com.au today!
PHOTO CREDITS:
Getty
Images
– Fiona Goodall, Gent Schkullaku, Ivan Romano, Saeed Khan,
Barbara Alper and SOPA Images
Reuters
– Francois Lenoir
RESOURCES:
https://www.iglta.org
https://www.huffingtonpost.com
https://history.howstuffworks.com/
https://www.awarenessdays.com