Why We Celebrate Pride

Every June we celebrate Pride and shine a spotlight on members of the LGBTQIA+ community. There are many events, from all-day marches fighting for equal rights to all-night dance parties blasting pop divas and techno. As we take time to highlight the diverse faces of the LGBTQIA+ community, we also remind ourselves how and why Pride became an important yearly celebration.

Credits: yanarasira, bellechennn, johnmaven, renatori978 & threolin

As much as Pride is a celebration, it is still a protest. History shows that queer people have always been a part of our communities, and have been accepted in many societies over the years. However, by the 20th century, despite organizations that fought for gay and lesbian rights, it was illegal in most countries to be caught participating in same-sex relationships. This led to much of the community creating spaces in clubs and bars where they could express themselves more freely.

Credits: sibu_sen, oukrid, aleyna, jasiehasie, enriquekinkykid & 29121993

The reason Pride is celebrated in June is because it commemorates the Stonewall riots that occurred on the morning of June 28. Stonewall Inn was an important spot because it was one of the few bars that catered to everyone from the LGBTQIA+ community. An early morning raid by the police disrupted the bar's festivities and when the police became violent towards the patrons (predominantly drag queens, trans women, and gay POC) other onlookers started to fight back and protect their friends.

A year after the riot marked the first-ever Pride march. It was a powerful reminder of the events that took place at Stonewall and how the community came together. Activists such as Marsha P. Johnson, Sylvia Rivera, and Stormé DeLarverie who were there on the frontlines that day are also very much remembered as important figures during these events.

Credits: renatori978, peropero, autumn_hendrix, xpunklovex, johnccc, huck & feifain

Looking back at the treasure trove of photos from Lomographers over the years, queer faces and events have always been well documented, from drag events to pride marches to intimate and candid moments. Showcasing these stories through photography for the whole Lomography community to see is especially important and we love to see it.

As we celebrate another month dedicated to love in all forms, we must also remember that the fight is far from over as there are still many members all over the world who are not safe and continue to be persecuted. The celebrations and protests shouldn’t end in July. It should be a constant campaign for equal rights. Lomography has always been a place for self-expression and creativity, allowing members of the LGBTQIA+ to express themselves through analogue photography freely. Happy Pride Month from everyone here from Lomography!

Credits: fram, autumn_hendrix, bellechennn, bigfatbambi, aleyna, feifain & kylethefrench

We would like to thank the many Lomographers for their photos of LGBTQIA+ individuals from all over the world. Do you have any stories about Pride? Be sure to comment down below and share with the community!

written by rocket_fries0036 on 2023-06-09 #culture #people #street #protest #gay #pride #celebration #pride-month #lgbtqia

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