Every summer, cities across the United States hoist the rainbow flag and host hundreds of parades as thousands of people march together to affirm their identity and acceptance. The LGBTQ+ flag, created in 1978, symbolizes the community’s love and unity through its vibrant hues. This celebration occurs every June and commemorates the struggles and hardships that the LGBTQ+ community has faced even up to the 21st century. From parades to mourning those who were lost during the battle for LGBTQ+ rights, pride brings millions together internationally to unite as one. Many non-profit organizations such as The Trevor Project use Pride Month as an opportunity to teach the youth about their community’s challenges and history.
The History of Pride
The first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, and Chicago back in 1970. The gatherings commemorate the Stonewall Uprising, a series of riots in 1969 over police action at The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. “Stonewall’’ has since become a symbol of the struggle for LGBTQ+ rights.
Organizers envisioned this as a national celebration of one’s identity. A member of the 1970 New York celebrations reflected that Pride “raise[d] the consciences of [participants] to develop courage, and feelings of dignity and self-worth.” The success of Pride eventually led other cities to adopt their own traditions, all the way to Orange County today. This year’s Pride parade was held in Santa Ana, for instance. Thus, the celebration of Pride in Orange County has evolved as more groups recognize the economically, politically and socially diverse members of the movement. Today, we see both young and old people attending with pride flags clutched in their hands — a symbol for both the progress and setback of the movement.
What’s Going on in OC?
However, there have been some developments earlier this year that contradicted the successes of past progress for the LGBTQ+ community. For instance, Huntington Beach city council member Pat Burns proposed a limitation to what flags can be flown on property, and the source of much controversy is the proposition to reverse the 2021 decision to fly pride flags in celebration of Pride Month. The council voted 4 to 3 to prohibit people from flying pride flags on Huntington Beach city property. After this event, the Orange County Board of Supervisors followed suit, and in a 3 to 2 vote, banned pride flags from county-owned property such as parks and libraries.
The pride flag is symbolic of the community of transcending individuals fighting for their right to be fully included in American society, and it is important to stand in solidarity. Banning the pride flag undermines the LGTBQ+ community and is itself a misunderstanding of the Pride culture with its legacy steeped in activism. It is an unfortunate act that delays progress and ruins the open-mindedness that we strive to cultivate in our institutions.
While the present may look dim, the fight for freedom of LGTBQ+ rights is historic and present, global and regional, and in spite of setbacks, the many trailblazers for this movement highlight the ongoing fight for equality.
Sage Advocates for Multicultural Education is a leadership group committed to educating our community about diversity, equity and cultural competence.
