By Sophie Collier.
Celebrated in June, Pride Month is a historical and cultural celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community. Starting as just one day in June, Pride festivities grew into a whole month, offering support, activities, events and training.
These celebrations stemmed from the Stonewall riots of 1969, retaliation for the targeting of a New York gay bar (the Stonewall Inn). This led to riots across America, and later, the world. Branches of the Gay Liberation Front were formed in Britain, naming these riots as a “catalyst for modern Pride.”
Throughout this time, people are encouraged to engage with the queer arts, such as film, music, and literature. Queer Author George M. Johnson explains: “As heavy as these subjects may be, it is necessary that they are not only told, but also read.” Johnson continues, “We are not as different as you think, and all our stories matter and deserve to be celebrated and told.” Their book ‘All Boys Aren’t Blue’ explores Johnson’s childhood, growing up both black and queer.
Cinemas across the country are taking part in Pride film festivals, aiming to educate and show support for the community. Seasonal lineups are also continuing throughout the summer months. Chester is promoting events within June, but also holding a Pride festival in August to “celebrate diversity” and “show support for the LQBTQ+ community.”
Organisations such as Stonewall.org.uk are pushing for better education within businesses surrounding Pride. They are offering free resources so that people can understand the history surrounding the month, and individual experiences. Training sessions are also being ran for businesses across the UK. Taking part in these are crucial for inclusivity in the workplace and to safeguard against prejudice.
Pride month is a time to support pride culture, as well as support queer owned businesses. In Chester, The Liverpool Arms and the Rainbow Tea Rooms offer drinks and food, as well as a welcoming atmosphere for the LGBTQIA+ community. With drag events, and a fun atmosphere, the Liverpool Arms is named frequently as the “Beating heart of Chester’s queer nightlife.”
Storyhouse, the hub of Chester, serves as a public library, events hall and community centre for the city. Acting as a cultural centre, Storyhouse is offering queer book swaps, drag nights, and speed friending throughout the month of pride.
Schools in Chester are continuing with their pride month curriculums and assembly themes. This includes a “No Outsiders” policy, weaving queer education into their Personal development sessions. The King’s School Chester are dedicating sections of the term to focus on diversity and fly the Progress Pride Flag to showcase inclusion.
Most importantly, educating yourself on the history of pride by reading blogs, personal stories and getting involved in these events, will help further the acceptance of queer individuals into the community.
Advocating yourself and sharing your story will enable this to be accomplished. Making Chester, and wider society more aware of togetherness that is pushing to be achieved.
