Internationally, in the month of June we celebrate a part of our population that is misunderstood by some and marginalized or attacked by others. In fact, there is a resurgence of hate crimes against our fellow human beings.
We celebrate lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and diverse sexual orientations and genders (LGBTQI+) during Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. 2024 marks the 54th year since the first Pride parade. The aim is to commemorate the historical impact of LGBTQI+ individuals, extend the legacy of Pride, and raise awareness of how communities can embrace the range of sexual orientation and gender diversity.
On June 28, 1969, although not for the first time, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, New York City. During this time, acts of “homosexuality” were illegal in every state except Illinois. LGBTQI+ people were routinely harassed and criminally prosecuted for diverse gender expressions.
Stonewall Inn was considered a safe place for many young people before the police raid. Angered by police harassment and social discrimination, the events of June 28 sparked six days of protests and galvanized the LGBTQI+ rights movement.
A year later was the first Pride Parade. The parade gathered a crowd of thousands and stretched for 15 city blocks. After that, many other cities started holding their own Pride parades. First recognized in 1994, Pride Month was when a coalition of educational organizations in the United States also declared October as LGBTQI+ History Month. The federal government has recognized June as Gay & Lesbian Pride Month for the first time. On June 1, 2021, June was declared LGBTQI+ Pride Month.
Unfortunately, members of the LGBTQI+ community, especially transgender and gender diverse individuals and their contributions, are often ignored or pushed aside. That’s why, in the tradition of Pride, we are increasing gender diversity by affirming our commitment to love fiercely, live authentically, and face repression and stigma together. We invite people from Monroe County to join us.
As we celebrate Pride this year, we are encouraged by others’ curiosity to learn facts about gender diversity. Many community members approach us with questions about their children, grandchildren and other youth and young adults in their lives.
When a parent asked us for help understanding their young adult’s identification as non-binary, we were grateful for the opportunity to have an open conversation where this parent could ask any questions they wanted without fear of need to be assessed.
Like this parent, many parents teach that sex and gender are separate parts of ourselves. Gender is associated with biological characteristics and is typically assigned at birth as male, female, or intersex. However, a person of any gender can have a non-binary gender. Individuals often identify their gender as boy/man or woman/girl, in binary terms. Those of non-binary gender experience their gender beyond that dichotomy through clothing, mannerisms, hairstyles, and/or pronouns. Just like this parent, many parents learn that sex and gender do not always match societal expectations.
Gender diversity has been a part of human cultures around the world and throughout human history. It has been hidden and sometimes violently suppressed, but gender diversity remains an enduring part of the human experience.
Pride is a time of celebration and a cry for liberation. Our hope is that everyone will take a step toward better understanding and acceptance of gender diversity. This can happen by stepping out of our comfort zone, being open to sharing ourselves and really listening to each other.
For educational materials or to attend a learning workshop, please contact us at MonroeSOGD@gmail.com
Read more about Stonewall and Pride at: guides.loc.gov/lgbtq-studies/stonewall-era
Visit Monroe Pride on June 29 from noon to 6pm at St. Mary’s Park.
Jenna Bazzell (she, her), poet and educator, and Melissa Gray (she, her), psychologist and educator, are members of Stronger Together Huddle, a group dedicated to supporting and promoting the common good of all. They can also be reached at mcneil102@icloud.com.
This article originally appeared on The Monroe News: Embrace Pride, Greater Understanding, Acceptance of Gender Diversity
