On behalf of all of us at CMHC, we would love to wish you a happy Pride month! This blog post is one I’ve been so excited to write as it’s a topic that’s close to my heart. With this in mind, this post has been created with the incentive to provide the opportunity to support and provide resources and information for the LGBTQIA+ community in the York area and beyond.
Pride is a celebration of inclusivity, achievement, diversity and individuality. It has come to be a celebration of community, love, and all things LGBTQIA+. Stonewall, an LGBTQIA+ charity named for the riots which began Pride celebrations as we know them, have this to say on the origins of Pride month:
“On this day 50 years ago, an uprising took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. As it was raided by the police in the early hours, three nights of unrest followed, with LGBT people, long frustrated by police brutality, finally fighting back. Lesbians and trans-women of colour were some of the key people involved in the act of resistance, including Stormé DeLarverie, Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson. This anniversary is a reminder of the power of standing together in defiance of those who seek to divide us.”
Pride Month honours the uprising and riots that occurred in Manhattan, as these events are considered to be the tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S.A. Celebrations today include parades, parties, concerts, fundraisers and so much more! The events now include millions of participants all over the world. Memorials are also held during Pride Month, to commemorate those lost to hate-crimes, and HIV/AIDS. Pride is a chance to celebrate the incredible contributions of the LGBTQIA+ community in local, national and international history.
In recent years, there has sadly been an increase in hate crimes towards the LGBTQIA+ community reported in the UK and other countries, so this year it’s more important than ever for us to show our visibility and pride. It’s also important during Pride celebrations, to remember that some people in our community haven’t yet found their chosen family, nor do they have a support network of like-minded people, and some live in fear of being outed as themselves to the people around them. It isn’t always easy to be your true self, but you’re never alone and never without options. The centre is a safe place – and there are always ways that you can seek help and support confidentially.
We spoke to William Cox – the chair of Generate, a York charity that provides support and information for trans and non-binary people, their families, friends and professionals:
“I love all the celebrations in pride month and it’s great to see so many people and organisations getting involved. All the colour, the visibility and unique events spreading positivity and inclusion is invaluable, particularly to the trans and non-binary community right now.
Alongside these wonderful celebrations it has been a very difficult few weeks. The trans community is again mourning the tragic loss of too many bright young activists, and a treasured ally, which makes this year’s month of protest and celebration even more poignant.
Be bright, be bold and celebrate but let us not forget the reason that Pride exists and continue the hard work started by the community protesting and rioting following the raid at the Stonewall Inn New York 1969.
Amazing people are doing amazing things every day to promote diversity and inclusion for marginalised communities like ours. Unfortunately, there are some trying to roll back our hard-won rights for inclusion, so we need our allys now more than ever. Every one of us can make an impact, can be an advocate, and can make a difference.
What is your call to action?
Organisations – Actively demonstrate your inclusivity with small acts of solidarity such as displaying pride flags on all internal and external communications. Make it known that you offer a safe space for trans and non-binary people to exist. Let your organisation lead the way.
Clearly displaying inclusion policies and flying the flag signals that discrimination will not be tolerated here. Follow through on policies and call out discrimination, be proactive with ongoing diversity awareness training for your team.
Let your organisation shine like a beacon of hope for inclusivity across the community you serve.
Individual Allies – We need you more than you realise and knowing you are there offers a real sense of comfort. What can you do to let us know you’re an ally, that you’re a safe person to be around? Maybe there’s a Pride badge or lanyard you could wear. We love and appreciate our allies, thank you for being there.
Trans and non-binary people – Just be you. Shine, and don’t be afraid to reach out for help if and when you need it. People worry about being a burden, know you are not a burden – you are wonderful, and deserve to be happy.”
Support and information can be accessed through our website or by email: www.generateuk.org and admin@generateuk.org
Additional Resources and Information Links:
Switchboard LGBT Helpline
Samaritans | Call – 116 123 for 24 hour support
SHOUT | Text SHOUT to 85258 for free, confidential support
Mind Resources
York MESMAC
York LGBT Consortium
