What is Pride Month?
Pride Month: Celebrating Diversity and Inclusion
As we gear up for another exciting Pride Month, it's important to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this annual event. Pride Month, which is celebrated in June each year, is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the contributions of the LGBTIQA+ community to Australian society, and to promote a culture of diversity and inclusion across the country.
The origins of Pride Month can be traced back to the Stonewall riots in New York City in June 1969, which were sparked by a police raid on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. The raid led to a series of protests and demonstrations by members of the LGBTIQA+ community, who were tired of being targeted and discriminated against by law enforcement and society at large. The riots marked a turning point in the LGBTIQA+ rights movement, and inspired similar movements and protests around the world.
Here in Australia, Pride Month has been celebrated since the 1970s, with the first official event being the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras in 1978. Since then, Pride Month has grown to include a wide range of events and celebrations across the country, including parades, parties, cultural festivals, and community gatherings.
Pride Month is an opportunity to showcase the vibrant and diverse LGBTIQA+ community, and to celebrate the many contributions that LGBTIQA+ individuals have made to our country's cultural, social, and economic fabric. From the iconic Sydney Mardi Gras parade to a wide range of events and celebrations taking place across the country, there's something for everyone during Pride Month.
Of course, one of the most important aspects of Pride Month is education and awareness-raising. This year (2023), we're excited to be running our LGBTIQA 101 training workshop to the public called "Working with the Rainbow Community" on 21st June as part of our Pride with Purpose initiative supported by Hobsons Bay City Council. This program is designed to help organisations and individuals understand the unique needs and experiences of the LGBTIQA+ community, and to provide practical strategies for promoting diversity and inclusion in the workplace and beyond.
Ultimately, Pride Month is a time to celebrate diversity and promote inclusion, not just within the LGBTIQA+ community, but across Australian society as a whole.
So, whether you're a member of the LGBTIQA+ community yourself or simply an ally looking to show your support, we hope you'll join us in celebrating Pride Month this year. With events, activities, and educational opportunities taking place across the country, there's never been a better time to get involved and show your support for diversity, inclusivity, and the power of community.
🙋🏽♂️ UPCOMING EVENTS
