It’s ‘Pride’ month and you may not know why it’s so important. Living in Lexington KY, the gay capitol East of San Francisco since the late 60’s and 70’s, gives me perspective. Famous gay rights activists artist Henry Faulkner and Sweet Evening Breeze put us on the map. For decades they marched in every parade, performed in clubs, providing endorsement for being gay.
In addition, I have several LGBTQ family members who remind me that it’s not easy to live amidst the prejudice in our culture. Here’s a quick review on why endorsing Pride month is important. Here’s a quick review on why endorsing Pride month is important.
IT TAKES COURAGE
This month a documentary about Henry Faulkner’s life, “Under the Southern Cross” by Jean Donovan was debuted by Bob Morgan, a local LGBTQ activist*. It tells of the prejudice prevalent 50 years ago that’s still active today. Henry was arrested repeatedly and was placed in a Mental Institution for his behavior. The assumption that gayness can be “fixed” through therapy, medication and shaming obviously failed. His legacy of being outspoken and unbroken despite hatred and judgement required a high degree of intelligence and persistence. It takes courage to be openly gay.
BREAKS DOWN STIGMA
Another important film, MILK, about Harvey Milk, gay activist and legislator, highlights his battle to encourage “coming out”, while the church acted as a political strong arm to condemn and criminalize LGBTQ lifestyles*. We’re seeing a resurgence of conservative Christians using rhetoric as a political tool to legitimize harsh, hateful judgement. It’s happening here and in Africa where if caught, people can be arrested, even tortured and killed. Stigma is still present, and Pride helps break it down.
NORMALIZES CHOICE
Pride month gives people a chance to see the beauty of self-acceptance, the importance of choice and the liberation people feel when their choices are normalized. The mental health risks of depression and suicide, especially to young people who fear the shame and stigma of judgement, are alarming*. Its clear sexuality is fluid and choice is personal. Sexual identity choices need to be normalized.
If you want to talk about this – please reach out.
*“Under the Southern Cross “– Film about Henry Faulkner gay pioneer, artist and poet. https://henryfaulknerfilm.com/
**MILK – film about Harvy Milk – https://www.imdb.com/title/tt1013753/
**Trevor Project data on mental health risk to LGBTQ: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
