As Pride month comes to an end, we’re taking a look at how far LGBT+ rights have come, and how much more we still have to do to ensure equality for all.
Every year, Pride month is celebrated in June, to honour the Stonewall riots of 1969 in New York.
HISTORY
The riots were a series of demonstrations that took place after a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village, New York.
It is these protests that are considered to be the start of the LGBT+ liberation movement, inspiring similar demonstrations around the USA and eventually, internationally.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BwVSsVRHxjq/
The first Pride marches took place on 28 June 1970, in New York, Chicago and Los Angeles, exactly a year after the uprising.
Since, Pride has become an important event to celebrate the LGBT+ movement and members alike.
PRESENT
There’s no denying that we’ve come a long way in terms of LGBT+ rights since the Stonewall riots.
In 2010, the Equality Act was brought into effect, making it illegal to discriminate based on sexual orientation, gender identity, race, religion and disability.
This gives legal protection if you are harassed or experience a hate crime based on your sexual orientation or gender identity, and perpetrators can face fines, community service or jail time.
š³āš Permanent Secretary Leslie Evans and colleagues from our LGBTI and Allies staff networks, with their friends and families, were delighted to represent @scotgov at #EdinburghPride this afternoon.
Weāre proud to be an inclusive employer. Happy Pride! pic.twitter.com/qynVXSQxcR
— Scottish Government (@scotgov) June 22, 2019
Civil partnerships have been a right of same-sex couples since 2005 and in 2014, the Scottish government made same-sex marriage legal.
It has also been legal for same-sex couples to adopt children since 2009.
Transgender people in Scotland have been able to legally change their gender since 2004, and in 2018, the minimum legal age to transition was lowered to 16.
Despite the progress made, there is still a long way to go before we reach equality for LGBT+ citizens of Scotland and around the world, which is why it’s so important to celebrate Pride.
Hereās the view right now from the top of our @on_lothianbuses bus! You look fabulous! #prideinscotland #EdinburghPride #Pride pic.twitter.com/bUHi8xfiwF
— Equality Network (@LGBTIScotland) June 22, 2019
CELEBRATE
There are plenty of events throughout Scotland that you can take part in to celebrate Pride month and learn more about LGBT issues.
Tomorrow (26 June), Nice’N’Sleazy is hosting Queer Theory,Ā a queer cabaret show of live music, drag, poetry, comedy and performance art.
The Big Gay Cabaret will take place on Saturday (29 June) in Glasgow’sĀ Britannia Panopticon Music Hall.
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There will be a trans swim session on Friday (28 June) at Glenogle Swim Centre in Edinburgh, to enjoy swimming and relax in the sauna with other trans people in a safe, welcoming space.
The pool will be closed to the public for the duration of the meet-up.
No matter how you’re celebrating Pride month this year, we hope you have fun and live your best life.
How are you celebrating Pride month? Let us know on Twitter and Instagram.Ā
