Life
Pride means a lot of things to a lot of different people. For some, it's a time to take to the streets, put on far too much glitter, and come together in celebration. For others, it represents a period of reflection; a period when we acknowledge how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come thanks to the tireless work of those who fought for our rights. However, as we celebrate the progress we've made, we must also pause and think about how far we have to go. I spoke to seven Pride attendees and activists to discuss why Pride is still as relevant and important as ever, and to discover what this time of year means to them.
In the UK, marriage between same sex couples has been legalised, adoption has been opened up to queer families, and the government are making moves to ensure that sex education in schools is more LGBTQIA+ inclusive. These are three massive strides towards fully realised LGBTQIA+ equality in this country, which is certainly something to be celebrated. However, with this in mind, it's easy to get swept up in the festivities of Pride month and forget about the meaning behind it. Below we hear from seven people who want us to remember the importance of Pride's message, not just for the LGBTQIA+ community in the UK, but for people all over the world — especially those who still face severe prejudice for simply being themselves.
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Jessica Kellgren-Fozard, Blogger & YouTuber
With a vintage aesthetic to die for and the cutest dogs in the world, it's impossible not to fall in love with Jessica Kellgren-Fozard. She uses her Youtube channel, blog, and social media to talk about disability, chronic illness, and LGBTQ+ awareness.
Speaking about Pride, she says: “Until we have true equality in all minds pride will always be relevant and perhaps even after that because the celebration of marginalised identities will always be vital to promote awareness and help teach young people to feel happy and comfortable in their own skin.”
Kellgren-Fozard has created a space online that celebrates LGBTQ+ culture and life. While she may not have set out to become one, Kellgren-Fozard is now a role model for LGBTQ+ teens as she is so unapologetically herself online. She says: “It will always be important to have spaces were LGBTQ+ people feel like they are not just tolerated, they are just not accepted they are celebrated. It's also vital that we do not forget Pride started as a protest and we should continue to use the platform to air our thoughts and feelings, particularly with regard to political legislation.”
Creating a massive community online to celebrate all things LGBTQ+ means that you can't help but watch Kellgren-Fozards videos and feel seen and celebrated. But how will she be spending Pride 2019? "I will be trying to celebrate as many prides as possible around the world with my community of lovely followers who are spread around the globe," she explains. "I will also be celebrating my local Brighton Pride with my wonderful wife and our chosen family."
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Stonewall UK
Many recognise the first Pride parade as being the Stonewall uprising started by gay liberation activists in New York in 1969. Stonewall is still cited as one of the most important organisations in improving the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community and giving a platform to those who don't have one. Speaking about why Pride is important, Laura Russell, Director of Campaigns, Policy, and Research at Stonewall UK says: “‘Pride season is an important time for lesbian, gay, bi and trans people from all backgrounds to come together and celebrate the LGBT community, as well as the enormous progress we've made towards equality.”
Russell continues: “‘Pride is also a crucial opportunity to reflect on the history of the movement and look ahead to the future. This year, Stonewall is celebrating our 30th birthday and we’ll be attending over 30 Prides across Britain to mark this occasion. But 2019 also marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall uprising. It’s important we take the time to give thanks to the people who led that uprising and created the modern LGBT movement that we know now. Many of those people were part of groups who continue to exist at the margins of our community and in society, and for whom Pride isn’t yet a celebration but an act of defiance.”
Some people point to the progress made within the LGBTQIA+ community, especially in the UK, as a reason why Pride could be less relevant in 2019. In response, Russell says: “We have lots to be proud of, but the fight for equality is far from over and we cannot be complacent. That’s why it’s so important that we work together to build a world where all LGBT people are accepted without exception.”