Today, when we see the rainbow flags, we immediately know that it’s time to celebrate Pride. June has become known as the “Pride month,” when marches, events, and festivities are scheduled in celebration of the colorful range of sexuality and gender. Though officially recognized in the US by Bill Clinton in the year 2000 when he called June the “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month,” the origins of Pride celebration dates as far back as the 1950s, with the first Pride march in 1979.
Why do we celebrate Pride? It’s not just about celebration, it’s also about commemorating the gay rights movement in the 60s. In 1969, cops could legally arrest men who were wearing “feminine clothing.” This led to the Stonewall Riots, wherein patrons of the Stonewall Inn in New York, led by trans women and femmes of color, valiantly fought back against the discriminatory police raid.
It is thanks to those who bravely fought for their rights that the LGBTQIA+ are now more accepted and celebrated. However, the fight is far from over, as many still need to be educated on themes of gender sensitivity and gender equality.
Today, Pride is celebrated all over the world, with marches, festivals, performances, symposiums and concerts. COVID-19 also didn’t dampen Pride across the globe as many turned to online celebrations instead.
Pride is not just a celebration. Pride is about self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and acceptance.
Wear your Pride. Make a statement. Here at Kerassi, we offer various Pride-related statement t-shirts and accessories. Show everyone that the fight is not over, instead, it has only just begun.