FEATURE:
The Lockdown Playlist
PHOTO CREDIT: @mrs80z/Unsplash
I wanted to put out a selection of songs from L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ artists - in addition to Pride-appropriate/themed songs. Before I come to that playlist, here is some information and background behind Pride Month:
“Pride Month is celebrated every June as a tribute to those who were involved in the Stonewall Riots. We’re getting ready to dust off our rainbow flags, douse ourselves in glitter, and go join in the fun. With parades, festivals, and concerts going on across the globe, there’s always some way for you to get involved — as well as learn some important social history along the way.
On a hot summer’s night in New York on June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Greenwich Village, which resulted in bar patrons, staff, and neighborhood residents rioting onto Christopher Street outside. Among the many leaders of the riots was a black, trans, bisexual woman, Marsha P. Johnson, leading the movement to continue over six days with protests and clashes. The message was clear — protestors demanded the establishment of places where LGBT+ people could go and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of arrest.
Pride Month is largely credited as being started by bisexual activist Brenda Howard. Known as ‘The Mother of Pride,’ Brenda organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade a year after the Stonewall Riots. This eventually morphed into what we now know as the New York City Pride March and was the catalyst for the formation of similar parades and marches across the world”.
There are ways that you can get involved with Pride Month and educate yourself. An article from The Independent listed some ways that everyone can do their part:
“Each June, parades, rallies, parties and demonstrations are held around the world to mark Pride month – the annual event that pays tribute to those involved in the Stonewall Riots.
From the decriminalisation of homosexuality in 1967, to the same-sex couples marriage act of 2013, Pride has long been vital in paving the way for progression – recognising the need for equal rights for people of all genders and sexual orientations.
One of the most effective ways you can influence change is by donating to causes and organisations that advocate for LGBTQ issues. The charity Stonewall is the UK’s largest lesbian, gay, bisexual and trans charity, and their work helps people in the community not just to survive, but to thrive.
A donation to Stonewall helps the charity to transform institutions, change and protect laws, foster inclusivity and empower LGBTQ people to be their most authentic selves.
GoFundMe is also a great place to find direct, personal causes to support. In recent months, many people have turned to the platform to crowdfund their transitions, asking donors to help them access vital surgery that they cannot afford themselves – especially given the social and employment discrimination that transgender people face.
There are so many fun and enjoyable ways to educate yourself about LGBTQ rights that go way beyond reading a dull Wikipedia page.
Whether you stick on the Netflix documentary Disclosure (which looks at Hollywood’s depiction of transgender people), plug into a podcast like Making Gay History or you simply update your bookshelf with some new reads, it’s so easy to find ways to ‘do the work’ that don’t feel like a chore.
Once you’ve read up on LGBTQ issues, use what you’ve learned to look inwards at some of the ways you enable harmful stereotypes.
Do you tell jokes where a gay person is the punchline? Do you use swear words that could be derogatory? Are you in a workplace that isn’t lifting up its LGBTQ staff members?
Even if you feel like you don’t practise harmful behaviours, part of being an ally is also calling out unacceptable behaviour from friends and colleagues when you see or hear it. Essentially, we can all evoke positive change on a micro-level.
Pride is one of the most uplifting and joyful events of the year – so make sure to get involved with whatever is happening in your local area.
Pride in London will take place in September 2021 this year and many indoor events have been cancelled because of social distancing rules, but there are lots of digital celebrations happening across the internet and Zoom.
Find an online party, don your most feel-good outfit, and get your mates together to celebrate love and acceptance – in all of its many wonderful forms”.
There are so many terrific L.G.B.T.Q.I.A.+ artists. I (unfortunately) have probably forgotten quite a few. I have sprinkled in a few Pride anthems too. There is going to be a lot of articles, posts on social media and radio hours dedicated to Pride Month. I may do a few more features through June. Before then, here is my 2021…
PHOTO CREDIT: Josè Maria Sava/Unsplash
PRIDE playlist.