By REAGAN BROCKWAY
The month of June, also known as Pride Month, is the celebration of LGBTQ+ lives, history, and culture. There are many ways one can celebrate such as parades, concerts, workshops, exhibitions and more. LGBTQ+ members and their allies celebrate their genders and sexualities, and advocate for future change.
In June 1969, the Stonewall Riots took place which sparked the start of this month. According to Unifrog, “The Stonewall Riots began on the 28th of June 1969 when the LGBTQ+ customers of New York City’s Stonewall Inn resisted police raids on their bar. In the raid that led to the Stonewall Riots, two police officers entered the Stonewall Inn and demanded to ‘check the sex’ of some of the bar’s customers by physical examination.” The Stonewall Riots started movements for gay rights all around the world.
Although there is still a fight for equality, LGBTQ+ members now have personal and political rights in many countries around the world such as Colombia, New Zealand, Iceland, Ireland, and the UK. In 2014 , Denmark became the first European country to allow transgender individuals to hold official documents which reflect their gender identity.
Pride month is very important and in order to celebrate Pride fully, one has to remember and learn about those who fought for the right to celebrate which is why history is just as important as the present.
Jesse Marando, a senior at Washingtonville High School expressed: “Pride month is important to me because it’s time to know that I am accepted for who I am and don’t have to hide myself away. It’s good for young people to be able to have a time where they can feel comfortable in their own skin to know they’re not alone.”
Washingtonville High School has many features that are there to ensure everyone feels welcome, safe and comfortable. Some examples include gender neutral bathrooms, murals displayed on the hallway walls, and clubs and organizations to give individuals a voice. GSA/Genders & Sexualities Alliance Network is the main club where students meet to support each other and work together to end discrimination and bullying. Their three main functions are Support, Socialization, and Activism.
Throughout this month, be mindful and make sure to support friends and loved ones who are a part of the LGBTQ+ community.