Many parts of the world will be painted rainbow in June as people celebrate Pride Month. Pride Month is an annual event that pays homage to the LGBTQ+ community. It’s a time to celebrate the community’s history, achievements, and contributions. This month-long event also serves as a platform to continue raising awareness about LGBTQ+ rights, promote self-acceptance and advocate for equality.
History of Pride Month
The origins of Pride Month can be traced back to the Stonewall riots, which started in New York on 28 June 1969. The riots were in response to a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. A year after the riots, the first pride marches were held in several US cities. Over the years, the number of LGBTQ+ groups increased in the country and the movement spread across the US.
In June 1999, US President Bill Clinton issued a presidential proclamation about Pride Month, stating “I am proud of the measures my administration has taken to end discrimination against gays and lesbians and ensure that they have the same rights guaranteed to their fellow Americans… America’s diversity is our greatest strength. But, while we have come a long way on our journey toward tolerance, understanding, and mutual respect, we still have a long way to go in our efforts to end discrimination”. In 2011, President Barack Obama expanded the officially recognised Pride Month to include the entire LGBTQ+ community.
Is Pride Month Still Relevant?
Although acceptance of homosexuality is on the rise, this does not mean that people are free to express themselves openly. Violence against the LGBTQ+ community still persists. As per a 2021 report by the charity Galop, who surveyed 1166 people, “two-thirds (64%) of respondents had experienced anti-LGBT+ violence or abuse“.
With crimes rising against the community, and convictions remaining low, one may wonder about the relevance of Pride Month. Celebrating Pride Month is important for giving the community visibility and acceptance, advocating for LGBTQ+ rights, fostering a sense of community, as well as educating the general public about LGBTQ+ history, and culture in order to dispel myths and misconceptions, and create a more inclusive society.
Celebrate Pride Month in Style
Whether you are out and proud, preparing yourself to come out, or a staunch supporter of the LGBTQ+ community, our range of custom-made products will help you showcase your individuality in style.
Rainbow Flag: Whether you will be attending a pride march, or showing solidarity from home or business venue, a personalised flag with a pride-themed deigns, slogan or quote, is a great way to demonstrate your support for the cause.
Personalised Buntings: A custom-printed bunting is a great addition to a party. So this Pride Month, whether you are coming out, or supporting a friend or family member who’s decided to take this big step, make sure to throw a big party. The buntings can be cleaned with a damp cloth. So, if you keep the design neutral, while still sticking to the theme of Pride, you’ll be able to reuse the bunting for future occasions.
Custom Clothing: Love knows no boundaries, and that’s why our personalised products go beyond traditional gender norms. Choose from our wide range of customisable clothing that allow couples, regardless of gender or sexual orientation, to express their love and commitment.
Custom Wall Canvas: Give your Pride Month memories a permanent home, with a personalised wall canvas art. Whether it’s a photograph from the celebrations, a picture of a loved one or text expressing your feelings, frustrations and hopes for the future – a custom-made canvas is a great way to express your creativity while siding with the cause.
Custom Tote Bags: Listen, one can never have enough tote bags. Available in four fabric choices, our gender-neutral custom-made tote bags are functional and stylish. Design them with pictures, slogans, text or just plain rainbow colours, this tote bag is a great way to carry your heart on your sleeve shoulder.
Support the LGBTQ+ Community
Support for the LGBTQ+ community shouldn’t just be restricted to Pride Month. There’s a lot we all can do, both during and after June, to create a more inclusive space for the members of the community.
- Educate Yourself by learning about LGBTQ+ history, terminology, and the challenges faced by the community. This knowledge will help you better understand the community and be a more informed ally.
- Show support by participating in local Pride events, such as parades, marches, or festivals. These events are a great way to celebrate diversity and learn from the LGBTQ+ community directly.
- Speak up against discrimination or homophobic/transphobic remarks. Be a listener, advocate, and offer a safe and supportive space for LGBTQ+ friends, family members, or colleagues
- Support LGBTQ+-owned businesses in your community. By doing so, you contribute to the economic empowerment of the LGBTQ+ community and help create a more inclusive business environment.
- Donate to LGBTQ+ organisations that work towards advancing LGBTQ+ rights. Stonewall, Galop, MindOut, London Friend, and Black Trans Alliance are some of charities doing incredible work to support and uplift the community. Remember, donations don’t always have to monetary. Volunteering or fundraising an are great ways to extend your support.
- Amplify LGBTQ+ voices on your platforms, be it social media, blogs, or community gatherings. Sharing informative resources, personal narratives, and experiences will help raise awareness and promote understanding.
- Foster a culture of inclusivity and respect in your daily interactions. Be mindful of using inclusive language, respecting pronouns, and avoiding assumptions about someone’s sexual orientation or gender identity. By creating an inclusive environment, you contribute to the overall acceptance and well-being of LGBTQ+ individuals.