Grab that rainbow flag and make this month a memorable celebration of love, acceptance, and progress.
Pride Month is a vibrant celebration of LGBTQIA+ voices, culture, and rights. Throughout June, the streets come alive with colorful parades, fierce drag performances, and powerful protests.
It’s a time to show your pride, embrace diversity, and stand up for equality. From joyful festivities to meaningful activism, Pride Month is a spirited reminder that love knows no boundaries and everyone deserves to be celebrated for who they are.
The Pride Symbol
You might already be familiar with the rainbow flag, designed by artist Gilbert Baker in 1978, as a symbol of LGBTQ pride.
But did you know that each color on the flag carries its own special meaning? In the well-known six-color flag, red symbolizes life, orange stands for healing, yellow represents sunshine, green symbolizes nature, blue represents harmony, and purple embodies the spirit.
In the original eight-color flag, hot pink was included to symbolize sex, and turquoise represented magic and art.
So, the next time you see the rainbow flag proudly waving during Pride Month, you can appreciate the vibrant colors and their meaningful messages.
It’s a joyful celebration of life, healing, nature, harmony, and the diverse spirit of the LGBTQ community. Embrace love and celebrate the beauty of our differences.
Why do we celebrate in June?
In June, we celebrate Pride Month to coincide with the historic event known as the Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, a police raid at The Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in N.Y.C.’s West Village, sparked a rebellion.
The patrons fought back, igniting the Stonewall Riots that lasted for days. Recognizing its significance, the Stonewall Inn was declared a historic landmark by New York City in 2015 and later designated a national monument by then President Barack Obama in 2016.
Ways to celebrate Pride month
Attend a Pride parade or event
One way to celebrate Pride is by attending a Pride parade or event. Join in the vibrant festivities, show your support, and immerse yourself in the inclusive and uplifting atmosphere.
Keep an eye out for announcements from local Pride organizers, like the upcoming Metro Manila Pride March on June 24 at Circuit Makati. Keep an eye out for announcements regarding the event.
Volunteer or Donate
Ready to take your support to the next level? Consider joining LGBTQ organizations in the Philippines that fight for a safer, more inclusive society.
LAGABLAB Pilipinas focuses on legislation and policy-making, while Galang Philippines supports the needs of lesbians, bisexual women, and trans men. Rainbow Rights Project, Inc. comprises lesbian and gay lawyers working to promote LGBTQ discourse. Society of Transexual Women of the Philippines (STRAP) advocates for transgender rights.
Be an ally
Think of ‘ally’ as an action rather than a label; being an ally goes beyond just labeling yourself as one. Avoid using derogatory terms as insults or negative expressions, and let’s not joke about or ask insensitive questions about LGBTQ+ people.
Remember, there’s nothing wrong with being queer, so why should any related term carry negativity? To be a true ally, consistently support LGBTQ+ rights and stand up against discrimination.
Speak out against offensive comments and jokes, and let others know that as an ally, you find them harmful. By being an example, we can foster acceptance and respect for all.
Photo banner by Ronê Ferreira via Pexels.
