Definition of Pride
“a high or inordinate opinion of one’s own dignity, importance, merit, or superiority, whether as cherished in the mind or as displayed in bearing, conduct, etc. “
LGBT Pride month?
What does Pride stand for? A whole month dedicated to a group a people just because they happen to be Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgendered? Why not have a Brown Eyed Pride Month or a People Shorter Than 5’10 Pride Month? Being proud of what you are doesn’t really make any sense since it was the luck of the draw, you really didn’t do anything to attain this status, it was given to you. So I asked myself again; LGBT Pride Month? What does this mean?
Understanding Each Other
LGBT Pride celebrations exist to make people aware of LGBT people and to do away with an unknown that often produces fear and anxiety. Throughout history many groups of people have been persecuted because one group of people doesn’t understand a different group. This sometimes leads to unspeakable acts or at the very least, an environment where a person cannot lead a happy, productive life.
Let me ask you. What is your idea of a LGBT person? How do you see this person? Do you see someone who likes to dress up like the opposite sex, someone who acts not like they ‘should’, someone who is perverted or abnormal or someone who deserves less respect? Or do just see someone?
People are different. (period)
The LGBT community is different from others, but so are the brown eye people and the short people in the world (many tall blue and green eyed people exist), but the similarities outnumber the differences. There are kind-hearted, mean, hardworking, lazy, rich ,poor, black, white, religious, non-religious (the list is endless) LGBT people in the world.
Why Pride Month
Pride celebrations attempt to focus on the accomplishments and contributions that LGBT people give to society while facing the adversity of being different. Pride parades aren’t about being proud for being LGBT (woo hoo!!! I have blue eyes!!) Rather, it is the chance slotted specifically to say “Hey, I am gay, that is WHAT I am, but look at WHO I am. Now let’s move on to more important matters to help make this world a better place.”
Solidarity with all People
Many cities around the world hold parades and events for LGBT Pride to celebrate this diversity while other places still remain dangerous to gather for this reason. The most recent news out of Uganda is horrifying for those that are living it. With understanding and a more open conversation there may well be a day when an LGBT Pride month is not necessary and I hope that day comes. (Although I’ll miss those great parties!)
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