It's Pride month, which is a perfect moment to ask ourselves: what exactly are we proud of? As countries, and cities across Europe and the world prepare to celebrate Pride this weekend, and with U.S. Pride weekend behind us, it's time we all take a long and perhaps slightly difficult look at what we should be proud of, and what we should be, a little less proud of. We are proud of brave people marching on the streets to celebrate their right to exist. Their right to love whoever they wish to love, and their right to be equal on every level, and under no exception, less. We are proud of politicians publically speaking about their other than heteronormative sexuality, and policymakers fighting to uphold any progress in LGBTQ+ rights that are being challenged. We are proud of those who continue to stand up to what's right, even under the most oppressive of regimes and governments. We are not proud of corporate adaptation of the queer flag for capitalist purposes, and even less proud of 'queer washing' their agenda while not upholding any real change behind the consumer-facing scenes. This Pride month, we must celebrate the progress while also taking a critical look at the current state of LGBTQ+ rights across the world, and reminding ourselves that everyone should be able to love whoever they love, and be whoever they want to be. Until this is done, we have a long way to go. Welcome to FairPlanet's weekly roundup. It's Pride month and that's exactly what we'll be discussing. Read. Debate: Engage. |