GAY PRIDE

 "Over the Rainbow"


LGBT pride or gay pride is the concept that lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

 The movement has three main premises:

a)      People should be proud of their sexual orientation and gender identity.

b)      Diversity is a gift.

c)      Sexual orientation and gender identity are inherent and cannot be intentionally altered.

Why the word Pride?

      The word pride is used an antonym for shame, which has been used to control and oppress LGBT persons throughout history. Pride in this sense is an affirmation of one's self and the community as a whole.

       Pride has come to symbolize several things:

    a)        The long history of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer dignity

    b)      The freedom of all people to meaningfully and proudly express their sexual and gender identities,

    c)      The commitment of LGBT people to combating oppression. 

   Why is the Pride Parade celebrated on June 28th?

                   When did the “Pride Movement” begin?

    The Pride movement began in San Francisco (California) in 1969. The mission of San Francisco LGBT Pride is: to educate the World, celebrate our culture, commemorate our heritage, and liberate our people.

   It  began after the "Stonewall riots" on the weekend of June 28 1969. They were the first instance in American history when people in the homosexual community fought back against a government-sponsored system that persecuted  sexual minorities, and they have become the defining event that marked the start of the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world.

 This violent situation also gave the underground community the first sense of communal pride in a very well publicized incident. From the yearly parade that commemorated the anniversary of the Stonewall riots began a national grassroots movement. Today many countries around the world celebrate LGBT pride.