A few weeks ago, I attended an Zoom webinar for our profession. The only people displaying their pronouns on the Zoom name tab, were myself and the presenter. In a profession that claims allyship, this was poor. And it was another example of why we still need PRIDE month, even in 2024, in the UK.
PRIDE month is so much more than that parade in your town or the flag you fly for the month. This is about change that stalls and even goes into reverse under the policies and rhetoric of our government. The langauge that our own prime-minister has used about gender is a disgrace and amounts to using a position of power to bully and encourage hate. The language that appears to be approved by leaders empowers others to comit hate crimes and to continue behaviours that do not belong in 2024.
PRIDE helps create change
I live in a small village, on the edge of the town of Llandovery in Carmarthenshire. In 2022, the first PRIDE event took place. This was largely thanks to an incredible, local effort from the LGBTQ+ community and allies. Ella, our Inclusion and Diversity Lead, was the lead on the event and we are all incredibly impressed and proud of what she achieved. The response from local business and the community was positive and encouraging. The cabaret event sold out both years and the parade was well attended. Changes were made thanks to PRIDE in Llandovery. Some more obvious than others, but the most important one was attitudes. I see more authentic ally-ship here than ever before.
PRIDE month serves as a reminder that the fight for LGBTQ+ rights is far from over. Despite significant progress in recent years, discrimination, prejudice, and inequality persist in many parts of the world, including right here in the UK. While it’s heartening to see events like Pride taking place in small villages like mine, the reality is that LGBTQ+ individuals still face challenges on a daily basis.
Visibility and representation are crucial aspects of Pride month. When LGBTQ+ individuals are visible and proud of who they are, it sends a powerful message to society that diversity should be celebrated, not hidden or marginalized. But visibility goes beyond just showing up at Pride events—it’s about being seen and heard in all aspects of life, whether it’s in the workplace, in schools, or in public spaces.
When people use their power to spread hate it must be challenged
Unfortunately, the importance of visibility is often overlooked or dismissed by those in positions of power. The recent comments made by our own prime minister about gender are a stark reminder of the ignorance and prejudice that still exist at the highest levels of government. When leaders use their platform to spread harmful rhetoric, it not only legitimizes discrimination but also puts LGBTQ+ individuals at risk of violence and hate crimes.
That’s why events like Pride are so important. They provide a platform for LGBTQ+ voices to be heard, and they remind us that the fight for equality is far from over. But Pride is not just about protest—it’s also about celebration and community. The camaraderie and solidarity that I witnessed at the Pride event in Llandovery were truly inspiring. It showed me that change is possible, even in the most unlikely of places.
PRIDE should be a year-round commitment
But Pride is not just a one-month event—it’s a year-round commitment to creating a more inclusive and accepting society. It’s about challenging discrimination wherever it exists and standing up for those who are marginalized or oppressed. It’s about recognizing that LGBTQ+ rights are human rights, and that until everyone is free to live authentically and without fear, our work is not done.
How to Be a Great Ally
Being an ally to the LGBTQ+ community means actively supporting and advocating for the rights and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals. It’s about standing up against discrimination and prejudice, and using your privilege to create a more inclusive and accepting society. Here are some ways to be a great ally:
- Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues, terminology, and history. Read books, watch documentaries, and listen to the experiences of LGBTQ+ individuals. Understanding the challenges they face is the first step towards being a supportive ally.
- Listen and Learn: When LGBTQ+ individuals share their experiences, listen with an open mind and heart. Acknowledge their experiences and validate their feelings. Avoid making assumptions or judgments, and be willing to learn from their perspectives.
- Use Inclusive Language: Language matters. Be mindful of the words you use and avoid language that is derogatory or offensive towards LGBTQ+ individuals. Use inclusive language that respects people’s gender identity and sexual orientation.
- Speak Up: Don’t stay silent in the face of discrimination or prejudice. Speak up against homophobic, transphobic, or discriminatory language and behavior, even if it’s uncomfortable. Use your voice to challenge ignorance and promote acceptance.
- Support LGBTQ+ Rights: Advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in your community and beyond. Support organizations and initiatives that work towards equality and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals. Attend Pride events, participate in marches, and show your solidarity in tangible ways.
- Amplify LGBTQ+ Voices: Use your platform and privilege to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ individuals. Share their stories, art, and accomplishments with your network. Elevate their voices in conversations and spaces where they may be marginalized or ignored.
- Be Respectful: Respect people’s gender identity and pronouns. If you’re unsure about someone’s pronouns, ask respectfully and use the pronouns they prefer. Avoid making assumptions based on appearance or stereotypes.
- Support LGBTQ+ Youth: LGBTQ+ youth are particularly vulnerable to discrimination and bullying. Be a supportive ally to LGBTQ+ young people in your life. Listen to their concerns, offer encouragement, and advocate for safe and inclusive spaces for them to thrive.
- Challenge Your Own Biases: Examine your own biases and privilege, and be willing to challenge them. Reflect on how your actions and attitudes may contribute to oppression or discrimination, and strive to do better.
- Be Persistent: Creating a more inclusive society takes time and effort. Be persistent in your commitment to being an ally, even when progress feels slow or challenging. Every small act of allyship makes a difference in the fight for equality.
By being a great ally, you can help create a world where LGBTQ+ individuals are accepted, celebrated, and embraced for who they are.
As we celebrate Pride month in 2024, let’s remember the importance of this annual commemoration. Let’s honour the activists who paved the way for progress, and let’s recommit ourselves to the fight for equality and justice for all. Because until every person, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can live without fear of discrimination or violence, Pride month remains as necessary as ever.
At the Celebrant Coaching and Training Academy we are constantly learning and striving to do better. You can read our inclusion and diversity promise here.