LGBTQ+:
Our Pride
The word ‘pride’ means a feeling of satisfaction from one’s
achievements or, collectively, the achievements of those with whom one is
closely associated. The word ‘pride’ is an integral cultural concept within the
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex (LGBTQI) community,
representing solidarity, collectivity, and identity as well as resistance to
discrimination and violence. Its associated symbolism-rainbow colors communicates
to individuals that LGBTQI members are welcome as valuable members of the community.
While PRIDE stands for Promote Respect, Inclusion, and Dignity for Everyone,
Personal Rights in Defence and Education (PRIDE) was a gay political
organization, established in 1966, as a radical gay political organization that
from its origination set a new tone for gay political groups like the Gay Liberation
Front (GLF), ACT UP and the Radical Faeries. PRIDE led aggressive,
unapologetic, demonstrations against the oppression by the Los Angeles Police
Department (LAPD) of gay gatherings or same-sex meetings in the city of Los
Angeles. PRIDE's monthly single-page newsletter evolved into The Advocate, the
nation's longest running gay news publication. To elaborate, PRIDE stands for:
P - Professionalism: To be competent, accountable, reliable
and responsible, interacting positively and collaboratively with all
colleagues, students, patients, visitors and business partners. R - Respect: To
treat all others as you wish to be treated, being courteous and
kind, acting with utmost consideration of others. I - Integrity: To be honest, trustworthy and
ethical, always doing the right thing, without compromising the truth, and
being fair and sincere.
D - Diversity: To appreciate and celebrate differences in
others, creating an environment of equity and inclusion with opportunities for
everyone to reach their potential. E - Excellence: To be dedicated, motivated,
innovative and confident, giving your best every day, encouraging and supporting
others to excel in everything they do.
Being L, G, B or T is not a ‘problem’, nor is it a ‘choice’
as such. LGBT individuals are merely individuals who have sexual preferences
that differ from what would appear to be the ‘norm’, due to differing learned
behaviors and, you know, having a personal perspective and mind-set that
differs from everyone else’s. The term pride or sometimes gay pride expresses
the LGBT
community's identity and collective strength; pride parades
provide both a prime example of the use and a demonstration of the general
meaning of the term. The LGBT community is diverse in political affiliation.
Not all people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender consider
themselves part of the LGBT community. Groups that may be considered part of
the LGBT community include gay villages, LGBT rights organizations, LGBT
employee groups at companies, LGBT student groups in schools and universities,
and LGBT- affirming religious groups. LGBT communities may organize themselves
into, or support, movements for civil rights promoting LGBT rights in various
places around the world.
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month (LGBT
Pride Month) is celebrated annually in June to honour the 1969 Stonewall riots,
and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay,
bisexual, transgender, and questioning (LGBTQ) Americans. In June of 1969,
patrons and supporters of the Stonewall Inn in New York City staged an uprising
to resist the police harassment and persecution to which LGBT Americans were
commonly subjected. This uprising marks the beginning of a movement to outlaw
discriminatory laws and practices against LGBT Americans.
A value that LGBT individuals live by is that love is love
regardless of the other person’s gender. This in other words means that anyone
can love whoever they want and choose. In addition, they believe in equality
which is a value that to this day still being fought for. The reason for
equality is that they are seen as the lesser person or the black lamb of the
group. They are seen as a label rather than a human which slowly over time
makes the person an outcast just for loving
someone of their choice or expressing who they are or want to
be. Instead of experiencing this they want to be treated and seen as just
another human being and be given the same opportunities as those who are in
this case heterosexuals. A symbol that represents the LGBT culture is the LGBT
Pride Flag Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops,
symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of
participants around the world. Memorials are held during this month for those
members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The
purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ
individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
BY
Vishaalaakshi V
BA, LL.B 4th Semester
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