CW: This blog post includes discussions of homophobia, transphobia and discrimination, which some readers might find distressing.
June has come and gone – and so has #PrideMonth, with its bright array of rainbow flags and waves of commemorations towards the diversity and richness of the LGBTQIA+ community. The month of June has become an important step towards greater representation and inclusivity of the LGBTQIA+ community, encouraging global movements towards creating legislation that grant LGBTQIA+ people the opportunity to live their lives authentically, freely and without prejudice.
Beginning in 1969 during the height of the Sexual Revolution and revival of the Free Love movement in the mid-1960’s, Pride month typically incorporates a range of staple occasions and events that celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals, relationships and contributions to society. Notably, these include Pride marches, parades, performances, shows, parties, film screenings, fundraisers and festivals, both on a local and global scale. We have seen local artists and designers contribute to the cause by creating Pride-themed collections as a way to showcase their support and promote the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
The gravity behind Pride month is no secret. Every year, it continuously reminds us of the strengths and struggles undergone by LGBTQIA+ individuals and communities across the globe; the resilience of this community; and the importance of supporting them to thrive and live their most authentic lives. LGBTQIA+ rights have been fiercely and proudly fought for over millennia, with much modern legislation coming into fruition over the past 50 years. Greater rights and representation of LGBTQIA+ individuals are still in-progress, with much more action still needed moving forward. Harrowingly, LGBTQIA+ rights are still wrongly being negotiated and debated, with many countries around the world still condemning and criminalising LGBTQIA+ relationships and behaviour.
With this in mind, there are some major issues at play that threaten current legislation that protect LGBTQIA+ people. The volatile and exponentially conservative sociopolitical climate is on the prowl, undoubtedly looking for its next victim or minority to attack or neglect the rights of. Yes, I’m looking at you, America. And this time, it’s going beyond rainbow-washing – it’s a deliberate and unashamed attempt to reverse the representation and freedoms of LGBTQIA+ communities, businesses and individuals.
In 2023 alone, data from the Human Rights Campaign suggests that states across the United States have introduced 540 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws, with 45 of these already passed. These 540 legislations come from multiple Republican camps, attempting to ban gender-affirming care, LGBTQIA+ and BIPOC books in schools and libraries, drag shows, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) programs at universities and transgender athletes from participating in sports. If you needed more proof that the United States is slowly transforming into a real-life dystopia, conversion therapy remains legal in twenty states across the country.
To make matters more than worse, Florida’s conservative Governor Ron DeSantis announced his presidential bid last month. He is most known for instigating Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill, which prohibits school teachers from being able to discuss sexual orientation and gender identity.
Fast forward to this year’s Pride month, where Target stores around the United States pulled its Pride Collection both online and in-store after a series of threats and conservative backlash. While Target stated that the pulling of Pride-themed merchandise in some stores was due to the wellbeing and safety of some employees being at risk, the removal is reminiscent of a lack of support and backbone towards LGBTQIA+ communities. The decision did not take a stand against the hateful and close-minded rhetoric of conservatives, or be a force of change for people continuously seen as the Other. It also undercut the work and creative agency of British-born trans artist of the pulled merch, Erik Carnell. Carnell has since received hundreds of thousands of threats, some of which include gun violence and death threats.
The anti-LGBTQIA+ backlash towards the Target Pride Collection has further been fuelled by high profile conservatives and right-wing personalities. Turning to Twitter, American political commentator Matt Walsh tweeted that his “goal” and personal onus is to “make ‘pride’ toxic” for brands, implicitly pushing the public to back businesses into a corner from doing similar attacks. Disgusting, on so many levels.
In a country that labels itself as the land of the free that sets the precedent for the world, these laws that deliberately prevent LGBTQIA+ people from living authentic and free lives are absolutely disgusting, narrow and immoral. It shows a vile weaponisation of religion, a preference for uber conservative politics and, above all, open and unapologetic discrimination.
Has the United States lost its mind? First, it was Trump’s attempt to build the infamous “wall” between the US-Mexico border during his presidency, which was a racist punch against Latinx people and communities. Then in 2022, women’s reproductive rights were attacked with the reversal of Roe vs. Wade.
It’s a great track record, isn’t it?
For the conservatives, this is another opportunity to shun away more minorities and continue moving towards a society reminiscent of a modern dystopia. I am sick and tired of hearing about all the hate being aimed towards individuals who have a RIGHT to live as fully and openly as anyone else.
As for major businesses and companies like Target, they need to stand up. Stand up to hate. Be brave for those that need it and don’t have a voice. Be a force for change. The Pride Collection should have remained, with additional security measures put in place for employees. When a stand is taken, bigotry cowers.
I am boycotting the notion of the land of the free with this horrendous lack of respect for LGBTQIA+ people and communities springing from government- enforced legislation. There is no place for this bigotry in the world.
Shame on you, America. Right now, Pride matters more than ever.