This June marks the 50th anniversary of Pride Month and the Stonewall riots. The LGBT+ community has come a long way since then, and we still have a long way to go. Pride Month is a big deal for us every year, as we celebrate all the obstacles we've overcome as well as how proud we are to be a part of such a brave, strong community.
1. We've come a very long way
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In 1969, June was first considered to be Pride Month after the Stonewall Riots. Since then, the LGBT+ community has gone through hell and back to earn the rights we have now.
2. We still feel unsafe
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Homophobia/transphobia is still a scary reality, and this community needs as much support as we can get.
3. We still receive abuse
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It's hard sometimes to be proud when there are people out there that bully/abuse/kill those in the community. It's even worse when these issues receive no media coverage. Discrimination is still a reality for us and may be forever.
4. So many of us experience erasure
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As a bisexual, I am tired of the stereotype that people are only either straight or gay. There are more than just two sexualities; there always have been.
5. In a world of heteronormativity, we sometimes feel lost
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It's a fact that there are more heterosexual people than anyone else; that's a fact we can't change. I'm not saying that every TV show or movie needs at least one gay character, but sometimes it's overwhelming to see that straight is the default option in media.
6. Some of us are not proud
I was closeted for about three years before I finally felt comfortable enough to come out. The possible consequences of coming out hold us back from announcing to the world who we are.
7. We have much to celebrate
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On May 17, the Equality Act passed in the U.S. House of Representatives, preventing gender and sexuality discrimination in public settings. This is a huge step forward. We are proud of this step and every step taken to end LGBT+ discrimination and hate.
8. We continue to fight
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We want the most welcoming environment possible for future generations of LGBT+ communities.
No matter how you identify, there's no reason why you can't celebrate this month. If you are not a part of the community, you can still be an excellent ally by supporting your LGBT+ friends, coworkers, and family. You could also go to local pride events to show your alliance with the community. There is no bad way to be an ally, and there is no wrong way to commemorate this month.
