Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a number of different ways. Across the globe, various events are held during this special month as a way of recognizing the influence LGBT people have had around the world. Why was June chosen? Because it is when the Stonewall Riots took place, way back in 1969.
As well as being a month long celebration, Pride month is also an opportunity to peacefully protest and raise political awareness of current issues facing the community. Parades are a prominent feature of Pride month, and there are many street parties, community events, poetry readings, public speaking, street festivals and educational sessions all of which are covered by mainstream media and attracting millions of participants.
The New York Pride Parade is one of the largest and most wellknown parades to take place, with an estimated 500,000 people participating in it by the time it had reached its 25th anniversary.
Pride Month is so important because it marks the start of huge change within the LGBT+ community, as well as the wider societal implications. Although attitudes and injustice still remain, we have come a long way since the riots of 1969 and by continuing in this long standing tradition we continue to raise awareness, improve the attitudes of society and encourage inclusiveness. #Pride2020
What were the Stonewall Riots?
The riots were prompted by a raid that took place during the early morning, at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The LGBT community held a series of spontaneous, often violent demonstrations to protest against the raid and calling for the establishment of places that gays and lesbians could go and be open about their sexual orientation. In such places there should be no fears of being arrested. The riots served as a catalyst for the rights of LGBT people, and within 6 months, 2 gay activist groups had formed in New York. Over the years since the event, many gay rights organisations have been formed. Not just in the US but around the world.
What is LGBT or Gay Pride?
It is a movement that celebrates sexual diversity. For lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people it is a way of protesting about discrimination and violence. It promotes their dignity, equal rights, self-affirmation and is a way of increasing society’s awareness of the issues they face.
Who Started the June Celebration?
Known as the “Mother of Pride”, it was Brenda Howard who coordinated the first LGBT Pride march. As well as sparking the idea for a week of events around Pride Day. These events then developed into the annual LGBT celebrations held every June.
LGBT Community Aruba
Equality is a human right and on Aruba we are open to this right. Everyone deserves to be treated equally. Currently same-sex couples marriage is not allowed. Couples who want to get married can do this in Holland, Saba and Bonaire and afterwards can register their marriage in Aruba. However the registration does not give the couple the same right as a opposite-sex couple. Legislation of this right is still in discussion. The Aruban Government initially did not recognize these marriages, but was challenged by a lesbian couple who had legally married in the Netherlands and then moved to the island. The case went to the Dutch Supreme Court, which ruled on 13 April 2007 that the Kingdom’s constituent countries must recognize all of each other’s marriages. Same-sex couples cannot legally marry on the island itself.
Aruba is frequently referred to as one of the Caribbean’s most LGBT-friendly islands, with various venues, hotels and restaurants catering to LGBT clientele or otherwise advertising as “LGBT-friendly”. Several specific gay bars and clubs have opened in the capital city of Oranjestad. According to local LGBT group AFLA, “Aruba has always been accepting, as long as it’s not in their face. People are out, but discreetly out. There has never been anything official. There are numerous LGBT associations in Aruba, including Equality Aruba (Igualdad Aruba), Equal Rights Aruba and Alternative Lifestyle Federation Aruba (AFLA).
