“There is no Pride for some of us without liberation for ALL of us” - Marsha P. Johnson
These past few weeks have been painful for all of us, more so for Black people than any other community. Celebrating anything right now, let alone Pride, might make you feel guilty or uncomfortable, but it’s more important than ever to have these discussions. Pride is more than a parade or a celebration. The spirit of Pride stems from protesting for equal rights.
The first Pride was a revolution ignited by the participants in the Stonewall uprising fighting back against police brutality. Black and brown trans women have always been at the forefront in the battle for LGBTQIA+ rights, with Marsha P. Johnson, Miss Major Griffin-Gracey, Storme DeLarverie, and Sylvia Rivera emerging as prominent activists. With that in mind, it’s important we use Pride month as an opportunity to amplify Black and brown voices and fight racism within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Not everyone is able to take to the streets in protest or has money to donate, but there are still ways the Tumblr community can unite and make a difference. That’s why we created #ActsofPride, an action list for this Pride month.
We hope these prompts offer you an opportunity to learn, reflect, speak out, spark conversations at home, to lift up our Black and brown peers, to experience Pride through an intersectional lens. Think of this as a nurturing space for self-expression. Or use it to reflect upon how Pride’s revolutionary history can drive a future where the LGBTQIA+ community and its allies commit to keeping this fight and conversation going on a daily basis and not just when it dominates the headlines.
Take care of yourself, look out for your friends, make your voice heard, and most importantly, have a happy Pride!
