Since I’m not going to any Prides, I decided to get my education on. I watched the Before Stonewall and After Stonewall documentaries yesterday (find ‘em on Netflix), and I feel like a big dope for not realizing that June is Pride month because it commemorates the Stonewall riots (June 1969). Also since I’m not out partying and tipping strippers, I’ve decided to highlight a more critical view of Prides as they stand today:

via BASH BACK! NEWS

“Stonewall was a spontaneous and militant response to intense police repression, and symbolized a significant turn in U.S. and Canadian activism. Who in fact stood up to the police were communities often marginalized within the broader “Gay” movement, including people who were trans, drag queens, and People of Colour. Unfortunately, we see this marginalization continue today, which is why celebrating the 40th anniversary of Stonewall is so important.”

The origin of Pride parades and marches were in commemoration of the anniversary of Stonewall. However, each year, Pride celebrations around the world have become increasingly commercialized. Jones adds, “Pride celebrations are more and more about selling products to LGBTTIQQ markets than they are about demanding equality for all, and celebrating our Pride.”
[...]
QRA member Sleepflower adds, “With increasing commercialization of Pride, the focus has shifted from liberation to acceptance. Stonewall wasn’t about wanting straight people to simply ‘accept’ that ‘gay’ people exist – it was about demanding liberation from an oppressive culture. That’s what we’re demanding.”

• BROWSE / IN TIMELINE
• « Ciara – “Work”
• » Jeremy Scott Adidas Originals F/W 09