Pride Doesn't End Once the Month Is Up

Written by Clove Morgan

It’s safe to say that this Pride Month has been a rollercoaster of emotions for community members and allies alike. On one hand, with every passing year our cause grows stronger and our web of support from today’s youth brings us closer to a more accepting tomorrow. On the other, the United States has become an increasingly less safe place for the LGBTQ+ community. While the queer population is steadily being more and more normalized in media, our lives are still at risk on a daily basis and our momentum for action cannot die out now that June has passed. Pride doesn’t need to end once the month is up, in fact, it can’t for the sake of our rights.

According to The Human Right Campaign, LGBTQ+ rights are in a declared state of emergency. 2023 now appears as a regression in the progress made by queer activism as decades of political movements are overshadowed by the mountain of homophobic and transphobic legislation being passed nationwide. The U.S. has been divided in ways that were too soon assumed to be smoothed over. However, the political climate is always changing. Women’s rights, POC rights, and LGBTQ+ rights are not ensured in the way young people may believe. After the overturning of Roe V. Wade in 2022, it is up to us to take advantage of our access to activist spaces and the ability to use our voices to speak up against unfair treatment.

A surge in anti-trans ideology threatens the transgender community–legislation has been passed in several states, promoted by powerful political figureheads, that ban gender-affirming healthcare. Not only is this a blatant display of transphobia, but further prevents adults and children from receiving the best possible medical care that facilities are capable of.

On the whole, the LGBTQ+ community is being silenced. States have been limiting or banning queer influence in education by removing books from libraries or restricting teachers from talking about queer people and families in the classroom. As a kid, I had no idea that queer relationships existed. Television, books, movies, and media only portrayed examples of heterosexual couples and individuals. It not only prevented me from discovering myself, but stunted the acceptance of those around me. LGBTQ+ people have always been a part of our history and erasing them is not doing them or the future of education justice. Keeping them present in media will help kids like myself feel seen and heard while giving kids an understanding of the world they have been born into.

A way to help the queer community is by familiarizing yourself with what is working against them. Being from Florida, I am always making myself aware of the controversies Florida law has sparked. Governor Ron DeSantis has passed laws like those mentioned above. The Don’t-Say-Gay Bill and limits on transgender care are a direct threat to the queer community that I am capable of speaking out against. Everyone needs to make themselves aware of what is happening and what they can do about it. The Human Rights Campaign found that 80% of the United States is actually against these laws, it is time that we act on that belief.

I noticed a distinct lack of support from brands this year. In the past, there would be pride campaigns spread over social media from the country’s most popular brands. Rainbow icons and merchandise were promoted so heavily, but this year there has not been as much noise from these companies. Fear of backlash extends beyond corporations and into the very existence of the queer community.

The risks the queer community faces are daunting and frightening, but there has also been immense support for it. The advocacy on social media and protests against the federal and state courts’ legislation to ban or limit queerness is just the beginning. The Supreme Court recently ruled that it is constitutional to deny queer couples service–a national impact that needs to be discussed, just as the state-issued pieces of legislation being passed around the country deserve the same cause for concern. There are ways that everyone can promote and become more educated on LGBTQ+ rights and political movements, even those of us that can’t vote yet. 

Not everyone likes to turn on the TV and watch people that are decades older than them talk about the nation’s or world’s issues. Gen Z has a different relationship with the world around us compared to generations in the past. An easy method of integrating current news into your daily routine is by following social media pages that post content so that it appears in your feed. Not only is it a simple action, but it makes you aware of multiple perspectives in a way that isn’t disruptive and is suited for you. You can share these posts, too! A two-for-one action for change is that easy.

Talk to your friends and family members. Sometimes difficult discussions need to be had in order to make substantial progress. Of course, your well-being should never be jeopardized but if you feel safe to bring up political topics then there is no reason you shouldn’t. I am lucky enough to have friends and family approach me and ask what they can do to help. If you gain their support or are able to educate them, then you are doing your part. If you are met with resistance, don’t let frustration get the better of you. Resistance is a sign that work needs to be done and that you were taking the action needed to widen the reach of safety for the queer community.

Just because merchandise is removed from shelves and the rainbows are being flushed from social media feeds does not mean Pride Month is over. LGBTQ+ people can still wear their identities proudly and it is the continued responsibility of allies to uplift them in any way they can. The celebration does not have to end, channel it into campaigns and movements for a better and safer Pride Month next June, and all the Junes thereafter.