Let’s rebrand Pride Month

June is Pride Month, and you know what that means? It’s when all the Alphabet Mafia come together and celebrate all the new recruits. It’s like an AGM where we discuss the gay agenda and how we’re going to increase our membership during the next year.

Well that is what some of the homophobes would want you to believe!

Every year, there is the usual shite that is spouted, such as “Why isn’t there a straight Pride?”, “Pride isn’t what it used to be!”, “Kink shouldn’t be allowed”, “It’s all about the Pink pound” and so on and so forth!

Pride has changed

Fact is, Pride has changed. We can’t deny that. Originally, it was a protest, and while there is still some politicalness about it, I would definitely agree that the larger Pride events are more about profit than anything else.

Although, these events are still important for the LGBT+ community, for a number of reasons. While we have more protection in this country, we still do not have full equality. And homophobia/transphobia is still happening.

Our trans family are currently the victim of abuse, it feels like history is repeating itself. The same arguments that the gays went through, but now rebranded to trans. So yes…Pride is required. To show we have nothing to be ashamed of and to support those that need it.

We’re in the 21st century, and we are seeing countries going backwards in rights. Hungary has just brought in their version of Section 28.

And while we live in a relatively diverse country compared to others, that doesn’t mean that there aren’t fucktards out there that want to remove any equality rights that we fought hard for.

Recently, a hate group got awarded ‘charity’ status. This ‘charity’, who says that they are there to promote LGB, is quite happy to get into bed with racist and anti-LGBT organisations, to fuel their hate for the T.

Pride Month

Pride Month originates from the US as a tribute to those that were involved in the Stonewall Riots. This calendar event has since been embraced by the a lot of the world.

While this is a good idea, I don’t think the sentiments really work outside the US. The majority (if not all) of the US pride events happen within June month, so that makes sense there.

However, throughout the world pride events happen at different times of the year. In the UK, they tend to happen between June and August, and Sydney Pride is in February.

Pride eraser

As well as the homophobes wanting to destroy Pride, there is also a small amount of ‘baby gays’ who feel that Pride is no longer needed because they already have equality.

Apart from the selfishness of these ‘baby gays’, it’s not entirely true is it? In UK hates crimes towards the LGBT+ is increasing year-on-year.

Just recently, murals in the Manchester Gay Village were targeted with homophobic graffiti.

As time goes on, LGBT+ have a history that needs to be told and remembered. Because forgetting where we have come from, means we are becoming complacent.

There is also cries from outside and in the LGBT+ community to strip certain parts of the event because it doesn’t appease them. Well, I am sorry Sandra, if you have an issue with men (and women) in leather and rubber, then don’t come and watch the parade. No one is being indoctrinated into kink.

Also these little attacks are purposely done by those that want to oppress the LGBT+ community, in some shape or another.

Commercial takeover

Pride flags appear to take over businesses like a rash in June, just as the gays take over the clap clinic the first week after pride!

And personally, I really don’t have an issue with companies supporting the LGBT+ community, as long as that is what it is and not some sort of Rainbow-washing.

There is a whole different conversation that is to happen with the commercialisation of pride, but having a date within the calendar allows some companies to advertise on mass.

As Manchester Pride is in August, a lot of the businesses have packed up their rainbow cases for the year. So when it comes to our event, it’s like you’ve been forgotten about.

Time for a rebrand

As stated earlier, I believe that outside the US, ‘Pride Month’ doesn’t have the same meaning. So why don’t we rebrand it to ‘Pride History Month’.

This is not about getting rid of pride events. They should still happen, and used to tackle the current inequalities, and show that there is nothing wrong with being part of the Alphabet Mafia.

I should also highlight, that this should not just be about the issues we experience from outside. But we also need to tackle the issues we have internally, such as racism, transphobia, misogyny etc.

Instead, for the month of June, we should also look at the LGBT+ history. Both to remember, reflect and rejoice on our past and our successes.

Our history is key

Our history comes at so many levels, and we should be remembering it all.

Let’s talk about ancient history, and how homosexuality was acknowledged in our past, such as The Sacred Band of Thebes.

Our modern history includes events such as the Stonewall Riots, Section 28, or the fact it wasn’t until 1992 that WHO removed homosexuality from the International Classification of Diseases.

Then there are the lesser-known historical events, such as Urania journal (1916 – 1940) that challenged gender stereotypes. Or the arson attack on UpStairs Lounge.

What about local history. Manchester Gay Village has so much history that is lost or erased for some people. We should be looking to make sure that this isn’t lost. Especially, since Manchester City Council don’t care.

Personally, I would love for the area to be protected as a heritage site, and developed further so it isn’t just about drinking…or taking over by flats!

LGBT+ key figures

We have many key figures we should be celebrating and talking about too. Whether we talk about Alan Turing, Marsha P Johnson or Barbara Gettings. Let’s not forget our local key figures, such as Carol Ainscow.

LGBT+ History Month

Currently, the UK already has a history month that happens in February. While this is directed at the education sector, this is something that I am here for.

Although, I do feel having a history month and a pride month is probably too much. So let’s integrate them both into Pride History Month. It’s important that education happens at all levels because tackling it at all levels will help build a better society.

We need to remember our past, because it has made us who we are.