FEATURE:
Flying the Flag
PHOTO CREDIT: @brnkd/Unsplash
A Pride Month 2020 Playlist
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ALTHOUGH lockdown has…
PHOTO CREDIT: @brnkd/Unsplash
prohibited coming together and community cheer, it is Pride Month, and it is important to provide a bit of information and awareness. I am going to finish this feature with a Pride playlist but, as June is a month to celebrate the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community, here is some more information about Pride Month:
“An Annual LGBT Pride Celebration
Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT 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 LGBT people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way 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”.
Although the usual gatherings cannot take place, that is not to say that Pride Month this year is a washout. In fact, there are virtual events taking place. The Evening Standard discussed this unique and rather alternative Pride Month in a feature from earlier in the week:
“While parades, street parties, and creative festivities are typical of Pride Month, this year virtual alternatives will replace public gatherings due to the ongoing health risk and associated restrictions.
Amnesty International has partnered with UK Black Pride, Stonewall and ParaPride to create a fully-digitised calendar – spanning Zoom through TikTok – in what will be known as Pride Inside.
IN THIS PHOTO: A pair kiss during World Pride NYC and Stonewall 50th LGBTQ Pride parade in New York in 2019/PHOTO CREDIT: Reuters/Lucas Jackson
Activists, comedians, artists, musicians and DJs will join forces to deliver online talks, performances and educational workshops in honour and support of the LGBTQ+ community.
“COVID-19 won’t stop us celebrating LGBT+ rights,” said Sen Raj, Amnesty International’s Rainbow Network committee member. “This year, Pride will be inside – in our homes and in our hearts.”
The virus has added incentive to the occasion.
“Around the world,” added Mr Raj, “the pandemic is having a disproportionate effect on LGBTI+ people who have been historically discriminated against in their access to healthcare, housing and employment”.
I felt that it was important not to overlook Pride Month because, whilst racism and some important issues have been filling the news this month, the L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ community are being affected by prejudice. Because of that, I thought it would be best to finish with an uplifting and eclectic Pride playlist that, I hope, manages to raise some energy. It is a shame that parades and outdoor celebrations will not happen this month but, I am sure, many people will be out in force in 2021 to…
PHOTO CREDIT: @janasabeth/Unsplash
MAKE up for it.