June is Pride Month. But what does Pride – and the rainbow – really mean? At its heart, it is a chance for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and questioning, intersex and asexual people to be who they are, and it demonstrate that they are very much part of the wider community.
Pride events have long been part of culture in the UK and in lots of other countries. Though many countries are now embracing equality, in other countries LGBTQIA+ rights are only partial, and in some where LGBTQIA+ people can face criminal punishment and even death: (and at the time of writing this article, there are still 13 countries where gay people face the death penalty).
Pride can be celebratory, but it can also still be very much a protest. A celebration of love, self-love or being able to be oneself. A protest also against regressive laws, against homophobia, biphobia and transphobia, against the rise in LGBTQIA+ hate crimes.
The first ever Pride march in the UK took place in London on 1 July 1972. Only 700 people turned up. Many people were too afraid to turn up because they thought they would be arrested. Today, there are Pride events all across the UK, in big metropolitan cities with thriving gay-scenes and in small towns. Pride events today have music stages and colourful parades, often sponsored by big companies wanting to do their bit.
This year, the University of Lincoln wants to do its bit too. As part of Pride month, the University will be holding a number of events to develop its own LGBTQIA+ inclusion. We all have a part to play in protecting and supporting our LGBTQIA+ students and colleagues.
The University of Lincoln are also supporting Lincoln Pride to grow and offer a safe space for LGBTQIA+ people, offer a safe space for their parents and carers, for the allies and everyone in between. Lincoln Pride will be held on Saturday 20th August and the University will be organising a group for the parade around the city and hosting a stall to engage with the Pride-goers. If you would like to join us, please get in touch at lgbtqistaff@lincoln.ac.uk