Most people are familiar with Pride Month, having seen local Pride celebrations or noticed rainbow-themed brand logos on social media in June. However, Pride Month transcends festivities and colourful symbols; it serves as a poignant reminder of the ongoing struggle for equity, diversity, and inclusion, which must persist throughout the entire year.
Pride Month, celebrated every June, commemorates the 1969 Stonewall uprising. In the early hours of 28 June 1969, The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City, was raided by police, sparking protests that continued for days. At that time, consensual sexual relations between men or between women were illegal in every US state except Illinois.
Although not the first instance of police raiding a gay bar or of LGBTQIA+ individuals resisting, the Stonewall rebellion was a pivotal moment for the community. It catalysed the formation of advocacy groups and led to the inaugural Pride marches in 1970.
While the events are often referred to as the 'Stonewall Riots,' many Stonewall veterans prefer the terms 'uprising' or 'rebellion.' These terms underscore the deliberate and collective resistance against systemic oppression, rather than suggesting chaotic or random violence—'riot' was a term used by police to justify their use of force.
Today, Pride Month is celebrated globally with parades, events, and educational activities that promote the visibility and rights of all individuals within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Building on Progress
Pride Month is more than a series of celebrations; it is a crucial period for acknowledging and affirming the identities and rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. It highlights ongoing issues such as discrimination, violence, and social inequality faced by the community.
Despite significant progress in the UK, LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to strive for equal treatment legally, socially, and in the workplace. Gay marriage was legalised only 11 years ago, with the first same-sex marriages taking place on 29 March 2014. Until as recently as 2021, gay men were not permitted to donate blood. Moreover, while legislation to ban conversion therapy has been in progress since 2018, it remains legal in the UK.
In this context, Pride Month serves as a vital reminder of the work still required to achieve true equality and inclusivity for the LGBTQIA+ community.
A safe space
The University is a safe space for everyone, regardless of how you identify. In particular, The LGBTQ+ Society is extremely inclusive and enables people to feel welcomed, hosting various events throughout the year. You can join them at their ‘Queer Film Nights’, where a selection of LGBTQIA+ films will be screened.?
Similarly, the The KCL LGBTQ+ Students Network is a collective of students and societies who share the common goal of working towards LGBTQ+ liberation. Officially founded in 2020, their main duty is to represent, support and advocate on behalf of all LGBTQ+ students at King's.?
The University also takes issues like homophobia and transphobia seriously. of them both anonymously and non-anonymously. If you ever feel unsafe, use the Safezone app to contact the King’s security team to get help quickly in the event of an emergency, accident or if you feel vulnerable.?
You can also report any instances of harassment or discrimination through the Report and Support system.?You can choose to do this anonymously or you can request support from an advisor. If you choose to talk to an advisor they will be able to talk through the options and support available to you, in confidence.