QUEER BRITAIN: the national LGBTQ+ museum’s Post

What is Pride Month? Pride Month, which takes place from June 1 to June 30, is a time to shine a spotlight on LGBTQ voices, celebrate LGBTQ culture, achievements, and activism through a variety of planned activities. These events include film festivals, art exhibits, marches, concerts, and other programs held throughout the month. During this month, the LGBTQ community and its supporters come together to highlight LGBTQ voices, raise awareness about issues of inequality, and honor the memories of those lost to violence and the AIDS crisis. Why is Pride Month in June? Pride Month is observed in June to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, a significant event in LGBTQ history. In the late 1960s, being openly gay was largely prohibited in most places, and in New York, for example, the mere presence of LGBTQ individuals was considered disorderly conduct, effectively banning gay bars. On June 28, 1969, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a popular bar with a diverse LGBTQ clientele, took a stand when the police raided the establishment. This confrontation sparked days of riots and protests, known as the Stonewall Uprising. One year later, on the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising, thousands of individuals flooded the streets of Manhattan for the Christopher Street Gay Liberation Day March, which is recognized as the first gay pride event in history. How did Pride Month originate? Pride Month began as Gay Pride Day, which was initially celebrated annually on the last Sunday in June before evolving into a month-long commemoration. As awareness grew, an increasing number of activities and events were organized to encompass the entire month. Over time, Gay Pride Day transitioned into the month-long recognition known today as Pride Month. The official designation was solidified in 1999 when President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. This declaration was made to acknowledge the accomplishments of the LGBTQ community and show support for its members. What is the symbol of pride? The rainbow flag, designed by prominent San Francisco activist Gilbert Baker, is widely acknowledged as the symbol of LGBTQ pride. Baker created the flag to represent the diversity of humanity, symbolizing all genders and races. The six colors of the rainbow flag each symbolize a distinct element of the LGBTQ movement: life, healing, sunlight, nature, serenity, and spirit. @agingheroes @transpainter #pridemonth #celebratelgbtq #equityandinclusion

GAY WHALES AGAINST RACISM 🐋 We've been going through our badge collection again! Badges like these have long been symbols of community identity, unity, and solidarity. The "Gay Whales Against Racism" badge, created by the Anti-Nzi League in 1981, humorously connected LGBTQ+ rights with the environmental "Save the Whales" movement. During this time, groups like the Anti-Nzi League and the Black Lesbian and Gay Centre fought for visibility for queer Black people and people of colour, emphasising solidarity against racialised homophobia. The statement "Gay Whales Against Racism" was born as a symbol of interconnected struggles, and remains relevant today. Do you recognise any of these badges? – Alt Text: The image shows four circular badges, each featuring designs and text related LGBTQ+ rights. 1. Top left badge: Support the miner's fight for jobs is written in bold white text on a bright red badge. 2. Top right badge: I *heart* the condoms is written in black text in the centre of a pale pink badge. The heart is the classic Terrence Higgins Trust red heart with an arrow pointing towards the heart's centre. 3. Bottom left badge: A round white badge with a black whale illustration. Round the edge of the badge 'GAY WHALES AGAINST RACISM' is written in bold red text. 4. Bottom right badge: LICK BUSH IN 88' is written in bold white text in the centre of a bright red badge. The badges are arranged on a light pink background. – Image From Queer Britain. Badges donated by Lord Michael Cashman. – #queerbritain #lgbtq #lesbian #gay #bisexual #trans #queer

🌈 Protest of Pride Month 🌈 As Pride Month unfolds, it's a time to reflect on the multifaceted significance of this period. For the LGBTQ+ community, including myself, Pride is a powerful reminder of our journey towards visibility, acceptance, and equality. My experiences as a gay man have been marked by both personal and professional encounters with homophobia. From subtle microaggressions in the workplace to overt discrimination in public spaces, these experiences have shaped my resolve to advocate for change. Each instance of prejudice has reinforced the importance of creating inclusive environments where everyone can thrive without fear of judgment or reprisal. Pride is undeniably a celebration—a joyous affirmation of our identities and the progress we've made. It's about being able to be ourselves, openly and authentically, without having to hide. However, it's crucial to remember that the origins of Pride are rooted in protest. The Stonewall Riots of 1969 were a defiant response to systemic oppression, igniting a movement that continues to challenge the status quo. While we've made significant strides, the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. It's a sobering reality that in some parts of the world, being gay is still punishable by death. Rights that have been hard-won can also be easily lost, which is why we must remain vigilant and proactive in our advocacy. Pride serves as a reminder that we must continue to challenge discrimination, push for legislative change, and support our global community. As we celebrate this month, let's remember the primary reason for Pride: to protest against injustice and fight for equality. Let's honor those who paved the way before us and stand in solidarity with those who continue to face persecution. Our collective voice is powerful, and together, we can create a world where everyone, regardless of their sexuality or gender identity, can live freely authentically. Here's to celebrating our progress, acknowledging our struggles, and committing to a future of true equality. Happy Pride Month! 🏳️🌈 #PrideMonth #LGBTQ #Equality #Inclusion #StandUpForLGBTQRights #CelebrateAndProtest

🌈 Celebrating International Transgender Visibility Day 2024! 🌈 Yesterday marked International Transgender Visibility Day, a day dedicated to honouring and celebrating the lives, achievements, and resilience of transgender individuals around the world. While I may be a day late, it's never too late to amplify the voices and stories of the trans community. I am incredibly proud to have played a pivotal role in the creation of the Michael Dillon Lecture Series, the flagship LGBTQ+ lecture series at the University of Oxford. This series is named after the extraordinary Michael Dillon, an alumni of St Anne's College, University of Oxford a surgeon, and a pioneer in the field. Michael Dillon was the first person to transition from male to female, and his courage and determination continue to inspire countless individuals within the trans community. The Michael Dillon Lecture Series serves as a platform to shed light on the challenges, triumphs, and experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals, aiming to foster understanding, awareness, and inclusivity. By bringing together distinguished speakers and thought leaders, we create an environment where dialogue, education, and support thrive. I am delighted that the philanthropic support generated by this series goes towards GiveOut an incredible charity supporting LGBTQ+ communities globally. Today, we recognise that Michael Dillon's struggle is just one example of the journey that many transgender individuals face worldwide. It is a struggle for recognition, acceptance, and equal rights. As we celebrate International Transgender Visibility Day, let us remember that visibility is not just about being seen but being valued and respected. In recognising the beauty and diversity within the trans community, we also acknowledge the systemic barriers and discrimination that continue to persist. It is our collective responsibility to work towards a world where transgender individuals can live authentically, free from prejudice and discrimination. #TransVisibilityDay #MichaelDillonLectureSeries #LGBTQ+ #Equality #Inclusivity #Fundraising

Every year in June, the LGBTQ+ community commemorates their accomplishments, spotlighting LGBTQ+ activists of the past and present through a month-long celebration including marches, art exhibits, and concerts that make space for people to gather to express pride in their identity. You might be curious about the history of Pride Month, whether you’re someone who never misses Pride events, like the Annual LA Pride Parade that took place earlier this month (which usually brings in over 150,000 participants per year), or someone who might have heard about Pride festivities but hasn’t had the opportunity to experience the joyful, accepting atmosphere for themselves. You may have learned about the Stonewall Uprising in school or noticed a newscaster briefly reference the historic 1969 event in a segment during Pride Month, but you might still have a few questions. Or if you know a little about the Stonewall Inn’s background, you might be curious as to how a small, drab 1960s gay bar that sold overpriced, water-downed liquor and was owned by a member of the mafia in Greenwich Village was eventually declared a national monument and honored as the site that enabled colossal advancements within the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Read on to learn about the reality of LGBTQ+ people in 1960s America, whether the Stonewall Inn’s portrayal as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ individuals is accurate, if it’s true that someone famously “threw the first brick” that would set off six days of protest and an unprecedented large-scale rebellion from the LGBTQ+ community, and how America’s first Gay Pride Parade was organized. Find out more about the courageous advocates who made it possible for present-day LGBTQ+ individuals to gain rights and recognition that unfortunately remain continuously challenged throughout the U.S., but whose unwavering pride endures like those who came before them. Happy Pride Month! #pridemonth #stonewallinn #stonewalluprising #lgbtqhistory #thearchive #openroadintegratedmedia 

Pride Month traces its origins to a pivotal moment in history—the Stonewall uprising of June 1969. These actions were a response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City's Greenwich Village. Patrons and local sympathizers fought back in a spontaneous demonstration against the systemic persecution of the LGBTQ+ community. This act of resistance marked the beginning of a global movement. The following year, on June 28, 1970, the first Pride marches were held to commemorate the anniversary of the first action taken that day. What started as a day of remembrance has since blossomed into a month-long series of events and celebrations, honouring the courage of those who stood at Stonewall and all who continue the fight for equal rights. Stonewall remains a pivotal moment in LGBTQ history, symbolizing the fight against systemic discrimination and the birth of a global movement for equality. Today, the spirit of Stonewall is still relevant as LGBTQ individuals continue to face challenges, including hate-motivated violence, workplace discrimination, and the lack of legal protections in many regions. Despite significant progress, such as the decriminalization of same-sex relationships in some countries and the increasing visibility of LGBTQ issues, the community still grapples with inequalities. The legacy of Stonewall lives on, not only as a reminder of the strides taken but also as a call to action to address the ongoing struggles for LGBTQ equality worldwide. #Pride #LGBTQ+ #PrideMonth

’𝑁𝑜 𝑝𝑟𝑖𝑑𝑒 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠, 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑙𝑖𝑏𝑒𝑟𝑎𝑡𝑖𝑜𝑛 𝑓𝑜𝑟 𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑜𝑓 𝑢𝑠.' - Marsha P. Johnson   For those who don't know, this is Marsha P. Johnson. Marsha was an American Drag Queen and trailblazing activist for LGBTQIA+ rights.   Many people comment on how complex the community and all its terminology is, as today various gender and sexual identities are recognised - and they're right. It 𝑖𝑠 complex and there 𝑎𝑟𝑒 "so many flags" but the reason why is exactly as Marsha states. We are a community accepting of those who do not fit the narrative of traditional norms and celebrate their differences. There can be no bisexual flag without the pansexual flag, there can be no non-binary flag without the intersex flag and so on. So, yes - it is complex, but for all the right reasons as the world continues to celebrate diversity. Besides, many of the gender and sexual identities honoured today have been around from - well, who knows when. The only difference is that they now have a label to them.   I am aware of my privilege and feel exceptionally grateful to live my life as my authentic self. However, this is still not the case for many LGBTQIA+ people, especially those who face other biases alongside. There is still so much work to be done to ensure marginalised groups 𝑡𝑟𝑢𝑙𝑦 receive equal human rights. That's why it's important to have respectful conversations such as these, not just for Pride Month but all year round. https://lnkd.in/esHHEwmy - National Women's History Museum https://lnkd.in/exKzEB8r - The Marsha P. Johnson Institute #pride2024 #pridemonth #lgbtq #lgbtqia #diversityequityinclusion #dei

Happy Pride Month! As an ally, I have been educating myself about LGBTQIA2S+ history over the years. This history is not talked about as often as it should be, even though LGBTQIA2S+ individuals have faced immense persecution and discrimination simply for being themselves. Our history includes many instances of horrible treatment toward those who were seen as different. Pride Month is about so much more than parades, drag shows, beads, drinking, and love. It's a time for everyone to learn about the struggles and progress made by the LGBTQIA2S+ community. For example, do you know what all those letters stand for? (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Trans, Queer and Questioning, Intersex, Asexual or Agender, and Two-Spirit). In honor of Pride Month, here are some resources to learn more about the community: Websites: APA: LGBTQ+ History - https://lnkd.in/eyJp3Vsr The Trevor Project: Resources - https://lnkd.in/eH4j3MjB Books: The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle by Lillian Faderman Stonewall: The Riots that Sparked the Gay Revolution by David Carter Radically Gay: Gay Liberation in the Words of its Founder by Harry Hay Gay New York: Gender, Urban Culture, and the Making of the Gay Male World 1890-1940 by George Chauncey Films and Documentaries: Stonewall Uprising documentary - https://lnkd.in/eaykGYCq Milk (2008 film available on Amazon Prime) The Birdcage (1996 film, starring Robin Williams, available on Amazon Prime and Peacock) Keep in mind that much of LGBTQIA2S+ history touches on topics of criminalization, racism, misogyny, discrimination, oppression, and similar issues. Be prepared for some heavy content. #PrideMonth #LGBTQIA2S #Allyship #LGBTQHistory #EqualityForAll #LoveIsLove #Pride2024 #InclusionMatters #SupportLGBTQ #CelebrateDiversity #HumanRights #LGBTQCommunity #LearnAndGrow #PrideEducation #LGBTQResources #StandWithPride #DiversityAndInclusion #PrideAwareness #LGBTQSupport #PrideAndProgress

🌟 **Honoring Janet Mock: A Pioneering Voice in Transgender Advocacy** 🌟 Janet Mock is a trailblazing author, producer, and activist whose work has significantly shaped the conversation around transgender rights and visibility. As one of the most prominent voices in the LGBTQ+ community, Janet has used her platform to advocate for the rights, dignity, and humanity of transgender individuals. Janet made history as the first openly transgender woman of color to write and direct an episode of television, contributing to the critically acclaimed series "Pose." Her groundbreaking work in media has not only elevated transgender representation but also highlighted the rich and diverse stories within the community. As an author, Janet’s memoirs, "Redefining Realness" and "Surpassing Certainty," have become seminal works in the transgender literary canon. Through her writing, Janet has shared her personal journey with courage and honesty, offering insights into the complexities of gender, identity, and empowerment. Her books have provided solace and inspiration to countless individuals navigating their own paths. Janet Mock’s impact goes beyond her artistic achievements. As an activist, she has been a vocal advocate for transgender rights, speaking out on issues ranging from healthcare and employment discrimination to the importance of intersectionality in social justice movements. Her work has earned her numerous accolades and recognition as a leader in the fight for equality. Janet Mock’s contributions to culture, media, and advocacy have made her a historical figure in the movement for transgender rights. Her unwavering commitment to telling authentic stories and championing justice continues to inspire and drive meaningful change. #JanetMock #TransVisibility #LGBTQ #TransRights #Inclusion #Diversity #Advocacy #Equality #HistoricalFigure

June is a month of vibrancy, love and solidarity as we continue to celebrate Gay Pride Month. It is not just a celebration, it’s a statement of resilience and a demand for equality and a powerful reminder of the importance of visibility and representation. It’s a month dedicated to honouring the LGBTQ+ community, reflecting on the progress made towards equality, to raise awareness about the issues faced and unfortunately still acknowledging the work that’s still needs to be done. Here’s some ways to show your support: Learn the History: Educate yourself and others to promote understanding and acceptance Be an Ally: Show your support in everyday by using inclusive language, standing up against discrimination and be a safe person for LGBTQ+ individuals to talk to. Attend Pride Events: Participate in local Pride parades, festivals, and events. These celebrations often include marches, performances and speeches Display Symbols of Pride: Wear or display symbols such as rainbow flags, pins or clothing to show your support. Voice your Support: This could involve contacting your representatives about relevant legislation, participating in peaceful protests or using social media to raise awareness. Donate: Contribute to organisations that work on important issues like healthcare, housing, legal rights and support services Let us embrace the spirit of Pride this June and every day, striving for a future where love and equality triumph over prejudice and hate. #PrideMonth #LoveIsLove #LGBTQIA #Pride2024 #Equality #LGBTQCommunity #Diversity #Inclusivity #Support #Rights #Educate #Celebrate #TheWorldIsYourOyster