As a magazine, we have a broad sense of pride for our community and the people who contribute towards making our area such a great one to live. Pride is there in our DNA, and it might feel more than just chance that we find the very word in our company address. Yes, for us here at YLL HQ on Pride Court, there’s a sense of the stars aligning as we reflect on Pride Month, an observance dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community that celebrates diversity and equality, and considers how these communities are represented. It’s not only about the theory of it all, the distant places and figures we see on television, but about bringing it to the community level and looking at how we treat our friends, relatives, colleagues, or that stranger you meet in the street.
“Love and compassion are necessities, not luxuries. Without them, humanity cannot survive.” ~ The Dalai Lama
Read up on its history
June 1970 saw the first Pride Month following the Stonewall Riots that took place the previous year in New York. A popular place for the gay community, the Stonewall Inn was the scene of a riot following a police raid, and the ensuing event became something of a watershed moment. It’s a long story between 1969 and now, and, as with everything, it’s always useful to look back to see how we got here.
Attend a Pride event
Our corner of the world is seeing a growing popularity in Pride events. Lincoln Pride has been held since 2012 and is next scheduled for 19th August at Tentecroft Street car park. Elsewhere, Mablethorpe Pride is into its second year later this month, 23rd – 25th June. Time for one in Sleaford?
Solidarity, brothers! … And sisters! … And NBs!
Like Kermit the Frog once sang, there’s a lot of songs about rainbows; there’s a lot of items of clothing with rainbows on them these days too! Show your support by wearing some rainbow apparel, pinning the flag in your front window, or decorating your office. The rainbow symbol represents diversity in its range of colours, and unity in how they all fit together.
Listen
Open up those communication channels whether that’s in your workplace, school, club etc. Make an effort to truly understand those around you. Show they have a voice and are safe to express themselves.
Get on the World Pride Web
Social media can be a great way to show your support for Pride Month. Create a temporary avatar or profile pic, share an article on the subject, speak up.
Bake rainbow cupcakes
Deep down we’re all the same inside, so embrace those levellers. One thing we can all share in is our love of cake!
Carry it through
Compassion is for life, not just for select times of the year.
“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity.” ~ George Takei