Pride Month

By C. Cardoner

In this century, diversity has become an incredibly significant and controversial topic, for example, PRIDE (Personal Right in Defence and Education). Pride month is a yearly event that takes place in the month of June, put in place to represent people that take part in the LGBTQ+ community (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and others). It is a common subject that has come to light more recently with the new generations as they have proven to be, in general, more open-minded and accepting when it comes to issues like these. That is not to say that older generations aren’t supportive, as many are. 
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Despite the fact that Pride Month has been celebrated within the LGBTQ+ community for years, it was only proclaimed an official celebration in the year 2000 (in the USA). According to UCF Education, “President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month” (2021). However, just over ten years later, Barak Obama, the president at the time, altered it to represent the whole LGBTQ+ community. With some exceptions, Pride month is mainly celebrated in June, not only in the USA but in Brazil, the UK, Australia, Canada, and other countries. 


The rise of awareness has been incredibly positive and beneficial for people of the community as each year they gain more allies and support, as well as reassurance, that they can confidently be themselves. It goes without saying that one of the most important aspects in life, and for your mental health is to be sure you can feel safe and content being who you truly are, without judgment. All the festivals, parades and campaigns taking place nowadays have been extremely significant in normalizing this subject and making it less tense to talk about. This has caused more young people to feel safe coming out to family members, and is each day, becoming a less taboo topic. In addition, PRIDE movements have been significant in the achievement of some LGBTQ+ milestones, such as the legalization of same sex marriage, the outlaw of “discrimination based on sexual orientation” (2021), having openly gay politicians (e.g., Tammy Baldwin), “A record number of "out" athletes compete in the summer Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro” (2021) and other accomplishments.