Understanding Stressors Faced by THE LGBTQ COMMUNITY

Pride month, celebrated every June honours the history, struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ community. Although solidarity and advocacy should be practiced all year round, this month shines a spotlight on the long-standing fight for equal rights, prominent figures within the community and the systematic oppression faced by individuals belonging to marginalised groups.

- BY Zara Esufally

The origins of Pride month can be traced back to the Stonewall Uprising of 1969. This uprising refers to a six-day long clash between police and LGBTQ activists at the Stonewall Inn, a once prominent gay bar in New York City. Despite not being the first uprising of its kind, the Stonewall Uprising gained recognition as an important milestone in the journey to queer** liberation owing to widespread media coverage and resultant annual Pride traditions.

The weeks following the Stonewall Uprising saw the formation of many LGBTQ activist organisations both within the United States and globally. The international spotlight on the systematic mistreatment of queer individuals set in motion the move towards inclusive, non-discriminatory government policies, laws and education systems we see today. However, it is important to note that this time of queer liberation was not experienced equally by everyone. People of colour, women and transgender individuals were still marginalised, and had to create independent movements of their own to fight for their rights.