June Is LGBTQ+ Pride Month 2023

LGBTQ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bi, Trans, Queer or Questioning.
More recently, I and A have been added to the acronym to represent Intersex and Asexual.
The + represents those not included in the original acronym, in terms of gender identity or sexual orientation e.g. Pansexual and Nonbinary.

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBTQ+ community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognising the influence LGBTQ+ people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, back in 1969.

As well as being a month long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions –  all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.

They imagine a world where all LGBTQ+ people are free to be themselves and can live their lives to the full.

Please view their list of organisations that can provide support and help HERE.  You can also ring the LGBT Switchboard every day 10am-10pm on 0300 330 0630 if you would like to talk to someone.
Contact them on FREEPHONE 0800 0502020, lines are open 9:30am – 4:30pm Monday to Friday (an answerphone is available outside these hours).  Email them at info@stonewall.org.uk.
Write to them at: Stonewall, 192 St. John Street, London, EC1V 4JY.

This is the 1st Pride Flag designed by Gilbert Baker, which appeared in 1977.
Commissioned by a gay politician, he was inspired by Judy Garland’s ‘Over The Rainbow‘ and the colours symbolised the following: Hot pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for magic/art, indigo for serenity, and violet for spirit.

There are many Pride flags – here are some examples of some –

 

Click HERE to read an article published in 2021 in Marie Claire showing the 30 Different Pride Flags and stating what each one represents.

The flag in the main picture is Valentino Vecchietti ‘s Intersex-Inclusive Pride Progress flag – Intersex people continue to be subjected to non-consensual surgeries both in the United States and around the world. California has considered legislation that would protect intersex youth from such procedures, but so far has only succeeded in passing a resolution condemning them. The intersex community has long advocated for hospitals and medical associations to condemn and apologise for the unnecessary surgeries. #BeKind #Inclusion

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