Sunsetting Pride 2024

Happy Pride!

As Pride Month 2024 begins to sunset, I want to congratulate every individual who has become brave enough to take control of their life and live as their authentic, beautiful self. This is a month when it highlights those accomplishments. From acceptance within families and friends to acknowledgement in the political arena. Starting with Stonewall (and events prior) leading to the Supreme court ruling for same-sex marriages. We are here, we are queer, and we should never live in fear.

As the month comes to a close, we know the battle for equality continues. While homosexuality has become much more acceptable now than in the past, there are still many areas in the US, where it can be dangerous to express feelings for the same sex. Those who decide to come out, risk losing their family, friends, career, or even social status. Everyone deserves the right to love who they want.

Additionally, in America, the battle for trans-right continues to hinge in the hands individual state’s legislation. According to the Human Rights Campaign Foundation, half of the 50 states presently have policies banning gender-affirming care for trans-youth. This sends a message to children who are suffering from gender dysphoria, they do not belong and are not valued. We should be celebrating children who have become aware of who they are authentically, not hiding, or shaming them. Not only are there bans for children, but also adults. Many states are pushing legislation to limit gender-affirming care for adults. Adults! People who should have the right to their own body.

Pride is often associated with the LGBTQ, but rarely is there a spotlight on the A. The A represents asexuality, or Ace. A minority of people who are literally NOT turned on by sex. There are different spectrums to asexuality, from sex-repulsed, to grey-asexual. Imagine being sex-repulsed and being forced to see sex every day. Truthfully, it’s quite difficult to avoid it. Sex in everywhere: music, books, movies, TV, etc. Moreover, there are sexual jokes and innuendos in daily conversation. Dating can be complicated for some aces. Dating sometimes comes with the expectation of sex. Aces usually go through the motions of sex, but may not find enjoyment in it. They know it is valued by their partner and thus are willing to participate for the sake of the relationship. Some Aces wish to remain childless, resulting in a sense of feeling broken. Especially since in a patriarchal society, having children is a strong expectation for couples. If you’re a sex-repulsed Ace, having children is clearly off the table.

Presently, America is becoming more of a theocracy than a democracy. Ideologies against Christian values are less significant. Which translates into, prohibiting civil rights to those people who go against those values. The Southwestern states in America are the driving force behind this movement (similar to pre-civil war slavery). For example, most of those states started book banning and eliminating curriculum design to promote empathy for a diverse nation. This is why we have Pride Month. It is a month to remind America, we are a nation that celebrates diversity, not eliminate it. We celebrate the uniqueness of people, their culture, their background. Most importantly, their sexuality. There are many people in the LGBTQIA+ community who are seeking support for who they are. Looking for guidance on how to live their lives safely. They need to know they are not alone. They are not broken. They are accepted for who they are; how they wish to present themselves; and whomever they want to love. This is why Pride is important and needs to remain a quintessential event in the first month of summer for many years to come.