Introduction
Rumi once said “If the house of the world is dark, love will find a way to make windows”, for a long time world has criticized the LGBTQ community with various remarks, but things have been changing as many countries legally and morally giving them the space and respect this community deserves.
As the month of June begins, people often wonder why do they hear about pride month and all. So, What is Pride Month, exactly? Pride month refers to the annual celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) in June to celebrate the Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan.
Let’s not forget to give a round of applause to all the pride movement fighters like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson who founded North America’s first LGBTQ youth center. The fighters from India such as Vikram Seth, Gauri Sawant, Manvendra Singh Gohil, and Sonal Giani lead a front for the freedom and legalization of LGBTQ.
In this blog, we’ll take a look at the history of Pride Month, as well as learn about artists and how they’re breaking stereotypes and inspiring us, We’ll also take a glance at the popular drag shows.
LGBTQ History
Brenda Howard, popularly known as ‘The Mother of Pride,’ is widely credited for starting Pride Month. The LGBT community has a history of events that have influenced the community, much like any other minority group that has had to battle for recognition and equal rights.
LGBT Pride Month is held to remember the Stonewall riots, which took place at the end of June 1969. As a result, various pride activities are organized throughout the month to honor the contributions of LGBT individuals across the world.
When it comes to the rainbow flag, it was gay politician Harvey Milk who got the help of a great designer friend, Gilbert Baker, to create an all-encompassing sign for the 1978 Pride March in San Francisco.
Gilbert chose eight hues from the rainbow, each having its meaning: pink for sex, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunshine, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit.
Bill Clinton was the first U.S. President to officially recognize Pride Month in 1999 and 2000. Barack Obama then announced June to be LGBT Pride Month from 2009 through 2016. Donald Trump honored Pride Month in May 2019 with a tweet stating that his government has begun a global effort to legalize homosexuality.
LGBTQ History in India
The Kolkata Rainbow Pride Walk, India’s first Pride Parade, took place on July 2, 1999, in Kolkata. The march was reportedly chosen for its location in Kolkata because of the city’s long history of and strong ties to numerous human rights movements, including feminist, Dalit, disability, and child rights.
In India, Pride Parades are held in more than 21 cities. The Prime Minister’s support for LGBTQIA+ rights and the Delhi High Court’s decision in 2009 to legalize homosexuality marked a significant step forward. 2018 was a particularly happy year for pride parades, as the harsh section 377 was abolished. In 2018, the LGBTQIA+ community marched around the country as relatively free citizens.
How are they breaking stereotypes?
Let’s take a look at some of history’s most famous LGBTQ personalities that break stereotypes in honor of Pride Month.
Sylvia Rivera was a queer Latina drag queen who battled hard for transgender and gender-nonconforming people’s rights.
Marsha P. Johnson was a black trans woman, a sex worker, and an activist who dedicated her life to achieving equality. She was a mother figure to the drag queens, transwomen, and homeless youngsters of New York City’s Christopher Street.
Vikram Seth is a writer who lives in India. The 61-year-old Padma Shri winner has written a touching poem titled ‘Through love’s immense strength’ that expresses his sadness at the recent judgment of criminalizing gay sex.
Drag Shows
It’s Pride Month, which means there will be parades, parties, and other events to promote togetherness. Attending drag shows, music events, and concerts might be fun as well. Let’s have a look at what Drag shows are all about.
Drag shows are all about drag performance and entertainment, and they are a celebration of LGBTQ people. Male actors used petticoats to play women in late-nineteenth-century theatre, which gave rise to drag performances.
They characterized dressing up as females as “putting on their drags.” Performers sing or lip-sync to music while executing a pre-planned theatrical or dance performance. There may also be a little humor, skits, and audience involvement.
Conclusion
I hope this blog has given you a better understanding of the LGBTQ community’s history and drag shows. This Pride month, I plan to attend drag events. Let me know how you’re going to support or celebrate Pride this year?
