The pride month

The pride month is going on, as the global pride day is on 27th of June.  Why is it called the pride month?  In 1969 same day, was the first time when homosexuals got together and fought for their rights to be treated with dignity, also called the stonewalls riot that happened in New York.  America had an anti gay legal system, under which they always saw homosexuals as a threat to humans, because of which these people were not allowed in many places. At that time Stone wall Inn a bar in Greenwich village used to allow these people as it was run be an highly organized Italian- American criminal society. Although different kind of people used to come there, the bar was called the ” Gay bar”, and police used to raid it every night and used to torture those whom they found homosexuals. After many years of sufferings, these people organized  protests to make people aware that homosexuality is not a crime and a person should be free to reveal their sexuality without being arrested. After six days of riot, the anti gay system was abolished and they were no longer seen as threat to the society, and in 2003 a after many protests and campaigns in 2003 they were given the right to LOVE. This was  all about America, there are many other countries which have not even legalized homosexuality.

It’s really sad that some group of people in the world have to struggle so much to get the right to live. Have you ever read about these historical movements in any of your school text books? or Have your parents in anyway talked about it? No, none of our history text books have ever  mentioned  about this. None of our biology text books  mention that there are people who are homosexuals. None of our literature  textbooks mention the story of the struggle that one goes through when they feel different from others. There  are people claiming to  have a cure for homosexuality,  the people claiming these things should be arrested rather they are appreciated and encouraged by our society.

Why is it so difficult to understand the most normal thing in this world.

It is time that we introduce this as a subject in the school, and make the students aware about this. May be this can help many to accept themselves, and can prevent many stigma to prevail about this .  Its time that we tell our friends, kids, brother or sister  that it is ok to be what you are, love yourself for what you are. Its time that we stop using words like gay, lesbian, queer as an intention to insult others. Its time that we start to feel normal when you see a gay or lesbian couple. Its time to talk something beyond just asking these people that how do they feel? When did they make the decision to be this? Don’t you think you could have been normal? etc.

Let’s bring a change by making homosexuality a normal thing. Try to make a world where everyone lives their life happily  and help each other out in difficult times ,in short make a civilized society in its real meaning.

 

 

 

Pride Month 2020: #21daysallychallenge

Pride march

Every year, in the month of June, the LGBTQ community hosts pride celebration in various ways. It is a month long celebration of diversity, love, acceptance, inclusion and unabashed self-pride. Various events are held across the globe during this commemorative month as a way of recognising the LGBTQ community and their influence around the world.

Why the month of June?

The month of June was chosen for LGBTQ pride month to memorialise the riots held by LGBTQ community members against a police raid that occured at the Stonewall Inn, a gay club, in New York City on June 28, 1969.

The message was clear; to peacefully protest and raise political and social awareness of the issues facing by the community. The queer community wanted to be open about their sexual orientation and be free to go anywhere without the fear of being arrested.

Pride Month 2020: #21daysallychallenge

This year, because of the social distancing norms across the world, many pride parades and events are on hold. But still we would not be restricted to celebrate all forms of love. Due to the global pandemic concerns, this year a different approach have been taken by the Pride Circle to take aware and conscious steps to acknowledge and redress stereotypes and biases about the LGBTQ community and bring about social change.

The aim of the challenge is to bring together individuals and influencers from over 28 countries and 70 organisations to establish a global community of LGBTQ allies. It started on June 1, there will be 21 mini-challenges extended over a period of 21 days in the month of June. As per the Pride Circle’s Statement, “this is based on science that it takes 21 days to form a new habit. Anyone can participate free-of-cost and sign up for it by clicking on the link – https://thepridecircle.com/21daysallychallenge/

Some of the challenges of the initiative include building awareness about the existence and journey of an LGTBQ person, for instance, read or watch or find out about the coming out story of an LGTBQ person, laws associated with the community; show your allyship, test your biasness- have you ever made fun of or discriminated an LGBTQ. Wear something symbolic or just shout out, let the world know that you’re an ally. Build your knowledge about the community. Learn about the art and literature by them and go all out. Don’t hold back, talk about the stigma and bias against LGBTQ persons.

In our country, decriminalisation of homosexuality is yet to complete 2 years, this initiative which has sprouted in India could become our leap of faith to ignite a global movement to look out for equal rights and fair treatment for the people belonging to that community. Allies would be able to contribute in creating a safe space where people of every sexual orientation is welcome and respected. It will help bridge the gap and let people understand the importance of treating others, who may be different from them, with equality, fairness, acceptance and mutual respect. The #21daysallychallenge could be a favourable step in the direction of building and inclusive and conscientious society with support and trust.

The movement is supported by various organisations, along with eminent academic institutions such as IIMs, IITs, NMIMS, MICA and the only school in India participating in Pride month celebrations, Tagore International School, Vasant vihar. This is a great achievement towards creating safer schools, workplaces and society for the coming generation. Such support from organisations like these is the need of the hour as it plays a vital role in the bigger fight to advance the community and promote inclusion in all spheres of life.

Pic credit: The Hindu

https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.thehindu.com/society/celebrating-pride-month-in-june-with-the-21daysallychallenge/article31720256.ece

Now, more than ever, we, the people of India, should encourage everyone who believes in LGTBQ equality to come out and be an ally or support in the best possible way. It’s time we move towards being a more accepting society and initiatives like these is the fundamental step towards that larger goal of “vasudhaiva kutumbakam”, i.e. “the world is one family”.