We like to think that the world is inclusive and supportive of all people in 2023, however the sad fact is that this is still not the case in the world.
Pride Month in the UK is particularly crucial as it marks the milestone of 60 years since the decriminalisation of homosexuality in the UK. However, LGBTQ+ people are still criminalised is 66 countries int he world and in 11 countries consensual same-sex sexual activity carries a death penalty.
Stonewalls International Work (2020) revealed quarter of the world’s population believes that being LGBT should be a crime.
CURRENT UK STATISTICS
We must acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. Here are some statistics that shed light on the importance of Pride Month in the UK:
64% of LGBTQ+ people have experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse.
Recent Home Office figures reported that anti-LGBT+ hate crime in the UK based upon sexual orientation have increased by 41%.
The same report states hate crimes against transgender people has risen by 56% in England and Wales.
In 2022, 65% of LGBTQ+ youth in the UK reported self-harm or suicidal thoughts due to their experiences of discrimination or rejection.
Only 46% of LGB people and 47% of trans people feel able to be open about their sexual orientation or gender identity to everyone in their family.
The number of LGBTQ+ hate crimes reported in London has risen by 55% in the past five years.
35% of LGBT staff have hidden that they are LGBT+ at work for fear of discrimination.
42% of LGBT+ school pupils have been bullied in the past year, double the number of non-LGBT+ pupils (21%).
These statistics aren't merely numbers, they are human beings with feelings, hopes and aspirations just like you. They are your children, family, neighbours and friends. This is why pride month is important, until LGBTQ+ people have the same, equal rights and treatment as everyone else, we must continue to promote a more inclusive and accepting society for all.
The Origins of Pride Month
Pride month honours the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan. The Stonewall Inn was most popular gay bars in NYC and in 1969 homosexuality was still considered a criminal offence. Many gay bars ran without a liquor license because until 1966, it was illegal to serve alcohol to a gay person. These venues were ran by mafia, but police would regularly raid and they were scenes of police brutality towards the LGBTQ+ community.
In the early hours of the morning on June 28th the LGBTQ+ community decided to fight back and locked themselves inside the Stonewall Inn. The resistance continued until around 4am. News of the raid spread and by that evening thousands of protesters had gathered at the Stonewall and continued into the next week.
First Pride march in NYC 28th June 1970 to march the 1-year anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This was the origins of pride month.
The Final 'T'
As well as being a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community, pride month is a powerful platform for advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, equality and acceptance. It serves as a reminder that love knows no boundaries and that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.
Whether an ally or member of the LGBTQ+ community, make your voice heard and not just for pride month.
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