Celebrating Pride Month
By Shia Mitchell - 22 June 2024
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What is Pride month?
Pride month aims to promote equal rights for the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, intersex, queer/questioning, and asexual + (LGBTQ+) community around the world. Pride started after the Stonewall riots in 1969, which broke out after a police brutality incident inside a New York bar targeting the LGBTQ+ community. Today, the celebration takes place usually in June/July and is often combined with other protests that are relevant to the movement.
Pride is a positive celebration of love, diversity, and acceptance. It comes in all different forms, and everyone should experience it at least once in their life. Be proud of who you are, whether you are gay, straight, or anything in between. Celebrate love openly and freely, as it is a beautiful thing.
What is the history of Pride?
Pride began as a way for the LGBTQ+ community to fight against discrimination and show people that being gay is not threatening. Now, it's a happy celebration of love and acceptance. However, it's important to remember the struggles of the past. The first London Pride march took place on 1st of July in 1972 with 1,000 people showing support. This was a brave moment in history that fuelled up future movement development. To learn more, check out our timeline:
If you’re looking to learn more about the history of Pride, The Library of Congress and The British Library have some amazing articles available.
How to celebrate pride at work?
You can create an inclusive workplace for Pride by holding discussions and providing resources on LGBTQ+ history:
Host an inclusion workshop
Invite an activist/advocate to talk to your team about supporting marginalised communities and promoting equality. Learning about how we can be a positive force for change together is a great way to pay respect to the awareness month.
Donate to an LGBTQ+ charity
It's a great way to show your support and help those in need who may not be safe or are facing persecution due to their sexuality. Charities provide front line assistance to those who need it most and make a difference.
Encourage employees to share their pronouns
This will promote inclusivity without disclosing personal information about sexuality. It's a simple way to create a more welcoming and supportive environment.
How to celebrate pride at school/university?
Age-appropriate content and parental supervision can promote a safe learning environment, with the goal of teaching about equality.
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Invite an educator or a volunteer to speak to students
Connecting with students is crucial for productive conversations. Bring in a relatable speaker or alumnus to find the right approach for each student and inspire positive change. It's so encouraging to see young people making a difference.
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Encourage students to create a Pride-themed artwork
Let students get creative and express themselves through art. This exercise can be both engaging and thought-provoking.
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Broadcast educational videos at appropriate setting
Organise a “lunch and learn” along with an external speaker when all the students are together.
Celebrating LGBTQ+ talent
Grab your popcorn and celebrate Pride Month with our thought-provoking and inspiring movie/series picks (all available on Community Fibre TV):
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Pride! (2014)
Genre: Comedy, Drama, Inspiring
Cast: Ben Schnetzer, Bill Nighy, Andrew Scott
Description: In 1984, LGBTQIA+ Welsh activists and miners came together, bridging political differences for a heartwarming cause. A must-watch during Pride Month.
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Love, Simon (2018)
Genre: Comedy, Coming of age
Cast: Nick Robinson, Jennifer Garner, Josh Duhamel
Description: Simon is a high school student living with a big secret. After finding out he is not the only one at the school, we witness him flourish and gain the confidence to come out to his widely accepting parents.
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It's a Sin (2021)
Genre: Comedy, Drama
Cast: Olly Alexander, Neil Ashton, Nathaniel Curtis
Description: London draws in ambitious and eager to change their lives people from all over the country (and the world too) and this series brings us to London of the 80s portraying the passionate love main characters have for life amidst the AIDS epidemic.
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Pose (2018)
Genre: Drama
Cast: Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Dominique Jackson, Indya Moore
Description: The show had amazing character development and highlighted the significance of the NYC Vogue dance in shaping future dance culture during the late 80s and early 90s.
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Miseducation of Cameron Post (2018)
Genre: Drama
Cast: Chloë Grace Moretz, Quinn Shephard, Forrest Goodluck
Description: The title sums it all up, revolving around the conversion therapy of a young girl. Chloë did an exceptional job at portraying the long-term harmful effects of conversion therapy, simultaneously raising awareness of its existence in the modern world.
51 Years of Pride
June is Pride Month – the time to learn about the LGBTQ+ community and extend that education to others by celebrating diversity throughout the year. Each one of us should feel safe while developing our career, making friends, finding love and growing a family. Working towards our shared goals while celebrating our differences is the goal of equality.
The internet is a great resource for learning and sharing knowledge, opening many doors to self-education. With fast broadband, staying connected is easier than ever. Take the time this Pride Month to look up how can you can continue to support marginalised groups throughout the year, not just during the awareness allocated time.
We’re helping to bridge the digital divide gap one step at a time and we believe in giving back to and celebrating London’s diverse communities. If you’re looking to give back to your local community or simply upgrade your digital skills, our Digital Ambassador Programme and drop-in sessions held throughout the year can help. If you would like to learn more about our work in London Communities, check out our Community Investment page.
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