With the dramatically building support for LGBT issues in the past few years, some community members have questioned the necessity of Pride celebrations, promulgating the notion that, as the community quickly gains acceptance into mainstream society, are Pride events becoming an outdated tradition?
Without a doubt, the LGBT community of today is drastically different than it was 25 years ago when the modern incarnation of Pride in Philadelphia was founded, and even a far cry from a few years ago. At Pride 2008, just one state in the country (excluding California, which enjoyed a several-month legalization of same-sex marriage that year) had sanctioned marriage equality. Now, five years later, we have 12 states and Washington, D.C., on board.
In the past few years, a wealth of mainstream organizations have joined their voices to encourage LGBT youth that “it gets better.” Earlier this year, the first actively playing professional athlete in the nation came out. Pennsylvania is now home to two openly gay state legislators, one Democrat and one Republican. And LGBT characters take center stage on shows like “Modern Family,” “The New Normal” and “The Fosters,” which debuted this week.
But, these advances in no way mean that the LGBT community is fully integrated into society. In most of Pennsylvania, it is still legal for LGBTs to be fired, or denied housing or public accommodations simply because of their orientations or identities. The state does not treat anti-LGBT hate crimes comparably to those promulgated by race, religion or other factors. In New York City, a rash of antigay attacks recently left one dead and others with severe injuries. Homophobia continues to force countless LGBT youth from classrooms and from their own homes on a daily basis.
With the growing dichotomy between the community’s victories and obstacles, having a once-a-year opportunity for LGBTs to show others, one another and themselves the meaning of community is vital. Pride celebrations are a way for LGBTs to demonstrate to mainstream populations — both allies and opponents — that we are indeed a “community,” a self-sufficient, strong entity. Establishing that we do exist and are a thriving and unified body makes the work of those hoping to silence our voices harder. Functions such as Pride also send a valuable message to our youth. While the young people may think they’re turning out for a chance to hang with their friends, collect rainbow stickers and check out scantily clad guys and gals, Pride has the potential to show them, whether they realize they’re learning it yet or not, that they are part of something larger, that there is a whole community of support awaiting them.
The local Pride was founded from a political standpoint, and has since evolved into more of a community celebration, with political undertones. Evolution is key to Pride’s relevance; as long as the event continues to speak to the ever-changing needs of our community, it can and should remain a pillar of our event calendar.
No matter one’s inspiration for participating in Pride, it is a way for our community to harness our spirit for good.