A bit of an impromptu post because I realised Pride month is coming to an end and it culminates here in London today. It’s a celebration of love and a reminder that all of us deserve to love who we want without judgment from those who feel they have the right to tell us otherwise. It also triggered a bit of reflection on what’s currently happening to our society and across the globe and how this celebration of Pride is more important than ever this year.
It’s heartbreaking to still see such hatred towards other people, especially towards those within the LGBQT+ community. We’ve seen examples of such down here in London after two girls were beaten up by men who thought it was acceptable to taunt them just because they were lesbians. There’s also the issue of the parents protesting outside a school that’s teaching young kids about identifying differently to traditional gender norms. Even though they swear that they are not homophobic, simply protesting against it is saying something completely different.
And as part of the bigger picture, I feel that the bigots of society are rearing their ugly viewpoints because we’re letting individuals who spew this crap into governments where they hold power. But I mean, that’s for another day because I hate talking politics.
I couldn’t make it into London this weekend to celebrate but I know that there are many friends of mine who identify as something other than straight. I’ve never spoken openly about my own sexuality and nor do I feel like I need to for anyone other than myself but I love both men and women. It’s why I feel so strongly about a day like this, should be something that’s celebrated every day. We’re not doing any harm by loving who we want to love and it’s nobody’s business to make me think any differently.
It’s bewildering to me that anyone thinks negatively towards being openly gay or wishing to be transgender because they don’t feel like themselves in their own body. But it’s very much still a problem and that’s why this year’s celebration of pride is more important than ever. So moving forward, if you feel like someone in your friendship group or a family member has a negative viewpoint on sexualities that are different from the norm, call them out on it – but not aggressively. Everyone can learn and be educated and if we all did this, the world I believe would truly be a better place.
And to end this post, I wanted to share with you a quote from RuPaul himself (he’s the most iconic drag queen you’ll ever come across, google him) – ‘The amount of respect you have for others is in direct proportion to how much respect you have for yourself.’
Know that what you’re putting out there, is what you’ll get in return. Give love and you’ll receive it. Simple.
