Defining Pride: Part One

June 5, 2015

In this series of short essays, Diverse & Resilient staff members share their thoughts on the subject of pride: what does pride look like, what does pride mean to us as individuals, and what does pride mean to our community?

At Diverse & Resilient, we are celebrating Pride Month by reflecting back on the movements of the LGBTQ community, from Stonewall riots against police brutality to Harvey Milk’s advocacy for gay rights.  These moments in history were vital in the fight to gain respect, freedom, and equal rights for the LGBTQ community.

Fast forward to today: we have the passage of same sex marriage, Gay Straight Alliance organizations in schools, and nonprofit organizations serving LGBTQ people.  We have open LGBTQ members of congress, state representatives, and local public offices.  We have business establishments that cater to the LGBTQ community.  Milwaukee is home to The Alliance School of Milwaukee, a charter school that is accepting to all students of different backgrounds.  Its gay-friendly school environment is a huge leap forward for the LGBTQ community.  Our LGBTQ youths and young adults have more opportunities to excel in education and they have safe places to go.

As we celebrate Pride Month with joyous festivities, let’s remember those who came before us who have made it possible to celebrate the LGBTQ community.  Let’s remember them in our minds and hearts and appreciate their efforts.

This mural is a reminder of the past, present, and future.  It is a powerful representation of the resilience we as an LGBTQ community have endured.  Though we continue to fight for respect, freedom, and equal rights, we have certainly come a long way.  We are a vibrant, colorful, and diverse community.

Written by Bethamie Wyatt, Cina Chang, & Ronnie Grace.