In the summer of 1969, New York City’s Greenwich Village was rocked when police raided a known gay club, the Stonewall Inn. The prejudice-fueled storming of the bar sparked outrage amongst residents of its neighborhood, resulting in days worth of protests and violent exchanges with law enforcement. At the time, members of the LGBT+ community were not allowed to engage in public displays of affection let alone dance with the same sex in public, as it was still against the law. Although the Stonewall Riots were not the first glimpses of activism pertaining to the LGBTQ+ community, it is widely known to be the catalyst of the gay rights movement across the United States. Today, the Stonewall Inn remains nestled in Lower Manhattan, now a landmark for LGBT+ patrons nationwide.
New York City is branded as a melting pot of culture and identity, a progressive city in which anyone can be whoever or whatever they choose. Diversity is widely accepted here, as I have come to know during my stay. Arriving in the height of Pride month, I have been greeted with a plethora of rainbow flags and celebrations, which, as an ally, I have gladly participated in.
After parades, drag shows, and pride-themed yacht parties, the subway is flooded with members of the LGBT+ community and allies like myself, singing, talking, and laughing, feeling safe being who they are. Plastered across billboards and posters in the train stations are words of encouragement, letting the citizens of New York know they are loved for their true selves.
As I watch the joy light up the eyes of those around me, it is clear that pride is deep-rooted in New York, a safe space for those who wish to simply live their lives and love who they love.
However, not every city is New York City, and the fight for LGBT+ rights is ongoing.
My experience here during the month of June is unlike anything I have ever experienced – this city truly loves all its people. I want to take this moment to acknowledge the privilege allies like myself have, able to be with who I love without the fear of the wrath of preconception trailing at my feet. I believe the right to feel safe and happy in your own skin is reserved to not just one group.
This month, I want to push the importance of nationwide pride, and what steps need to be taken for every small town, city, and state to feel like New York. I encourage readers like yourself to look into what you can do for your neighbors, such as advocating for LGBT+-friendly policies, looking out for those in the community, and rejecting apalling ones such as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill that recently passed in the state of Flordia, not just during Pride month, but every month. It takes all of us to make change.
The annual NYC Pride March will take place on Sunday, June 26th, festivities beginning at noon. More information about NYC Pride events can be found at www.nycpride.org.
For a list LGBT+ resources, please visit www.glaad.org/resourcelist.
By Madeline Sloaf