June is Pride month and with it will come a plethora of celebrations accompanied by a sea of coloured flags. The most recognisable flag is the Pride flag which contains 6 colours not to be mistaken with the current trend in rainbows to symbolise hope adopted by the NHS which have 7 colours.
Originally Pride was often referred to as “Gay Pride” but now Pride has become a symbol of love and acceptance of diversity, something that Rowe IT holds as a core value. We are all different and that must be viewed as a strength not a weakness.
Why June?
June was chosen to demark Pride month to celebrate the Stonewall riots which took place at the end of June 1969. The Stonewall Inn was a Mafia owned establishment in New York City frequented by all members of the LGBT+ community. During this time homosexuality in the US (and UK) was illegal and this led to constant raids by the police and the more affluent patrons being extorted by the Mafia.
The constant harassment of the LGBT+ community, in particular the Stonewall Inn, inevitably created a volatile situation. Just after 1am on June 28th 1969 the situation escalated when the police attempted to arrest people whilst the transgender women had to under-go humiliating searches.
The riots that ensued lasted for 2 days but the aftermath led to the LGBT+ community coming together as a cohesive union to fight for its rights. Unfortunately, the fight still continues today with many countries denying LGBT+ couples the ability to adopt or marry the person they love.
Allies
The LGBT+ community is still fighting for its rights across the world. These are rights that most people just take for granted. The term Ally is used to refer to anyone that will accept anyone without prejudice.
By Terri Lamerton
