June. A month where the majority of people live their lives full of sun, holidays and relaxing. June can also be yet another month to fight for acceptance to be one’s true self. To strive to be accepted into society and not be treated differently by peers who’re deemed as ‘normal.’ It’s the continuous battle which many already face daily, yet June is the only month where the fight is perhaps socially accepted and of topical conversation. In June 1969, police raided Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York, within the early hours of the morning. This lasted three nights, and was a part of a larger civil rights movement as members of the LGBT+ community were long frustrated by the ongoing police brutality, so therefore fought back. Lesbians and trans women of colour were some of the key figures involved, along with many others from the black power, feminist and gay liberation backgrounds. Thus marks June the month of remembrance as this significant event paved the way for the beginning of change. While many see Pride as a celebration, it’s the annual reminder of how powerful standing together in defiance of those who seek to divide the community. This message and the origin of Pride is one that often gets lost in between the festivities, glitter and bright colours.
Many in the UK still face discrimination due to their sexuality or gender idenitity, even though the UK is seen as an equal, progessive nation. Those in the UK who do identify with the LGBT+ community still aren’t fully accepted in society, despite gay marriage being legalised and anti-homophobic legislation being passed, by some anything other than straight and cis isn’t the norm. According to the independent newspaper, the number of hate attacks on lesbian, bisexual or trans people in the UK has horrifically soared by 80% within the last four years. The most common type of hate crime experienced was being insulted, harassed or intimidated, with nearly nine out of ten LGBT+ people experiencing this. If the UK is said to be fully inclusive of all its citizens then why were there 14,291 crimes committed against people due to their sexual orientation, from 2018-19. With a further 2,333 offenses against transgender people due to their gender identity. Globally, being gay in 72 countries is illegal.
Pride is for anyone. Whether it be members of the LGBT+ community or those who just simply want to show their support. Many brands and organisations get in on the action too. Simplicity can be key, with brands changing their iconic logo to colours of the Pride flag. Or others go extravagant, with products specifically released or rebranded in time for June, or special events hosted with the appearance of famous LGBT+ figures. Any acknowledgement, big or small, is great to raise awareness and for the brand to say ‘we support you’ to it’s LGBT+ customers and employees, but is any real difference actually being made? Is this opportunistic or supportive?
Commercialism is not a sign of support. Rebanding a famous logo with a rainbow behind it is not doing enough, when people in the UK face horrific daily abuse and discrimination because of who they love or who they are. It is essentially profiting off of people’s sexualities and identities, of which they potentially struggle with immensely, and glorifying it for a whole month simply for profit. Usually, after June, after the Pride celebrations and festivities, the LGBT+ community isn’t mentioned again. Until next June. According to research, two in five companies with pride campaigns were found to be donating no proceeds to LGBT+ organizations. The cheap and cheerful, fast-fashion chain ‘Primark’ launched a collaboration with the LGBT+ charity Stonewall in 2018, where 20% of the proceeds were donated to the charity. Although, behind the scenes the merchandise was fabricated in countries which aren’t supportive of LGBT+ rights; Turkey, China and Myanmar. In China, homosexual relationships are banned from TV as well as any mention of them online. In Myanmar, same-sex activity can lead to an ationishing 10-years-imprisonment. But for what? For the crime of being yourself? ‘Primark’ holding a collaboration with the LGBT+ charity is great, however the backstory is not. What is the point in donating profits, when the manufacturing countries are so far behind equality wise. It is hypocritical.
If companies genuinely want to support the LGBT+ community, there is a way of doing it properly. It is essential to be educated on the history of the community, and the current hardships they still face in 2020. They must support all LGBT+ employees within their own company, before reaching out to ‘support’ others. They must make sure the right policies are in place so they can thrive in the workplace. They must do more than just re-package products and call them limited edition. If a company is using Pride month to sell products, proceeds must be donated to charities and organizations who actively help those in need. Supporting the community and being inclusive is essential all year round. Not just 30 days annually.
It is safe to say that in 2020, the UK is not an equalized nation. LGBT+ inclusive education is still being debated whether or not it should be taught in schools. Homosexual couples are being humiliated and assualted for showing affection in public. Conservation therapy is still legal in the year 2020. Thus showing there is still an extremely long way to go with progressive, equal and inclusive rights for every citizen living within Britain and globally. Whether they may be bisexual, lesbian, transgender, non-binary or identify with anything inbetween, everyone deserves respect no matter their gender or who they love.
By ELLE-ROSE FOTHERINGHAM
