June is a very special month…

Its PRIDE month.

Now as a heterosexual, middle aged CIS woman, you might ask yourself why I am talking about Pride. And the easiest answer to that is ‘Why shouldn’t I?’

For over 30 years I have had Gay, Lesbian and Trans friends. I say this, not to point out how marvellous and accepting I am, but it does have a bearing on the rest of my blog.

At the time I was working at a major Supermarket which had a large LGBT (as it was termed then) workforce. We would have events and parties and usually ended up in one of two ‘gay bars’ where would we all dance and drink the night away.

All everyone was interested in was having a good time. There were hardly any fights or drama and the atmosphere was fun, electric and all encompassing.

Fact.

From that I learnt about a website called Gaydar which was for predominantly Gay men but also included Bisexual and Trans too. Some of my Gay friends told me I should go on there as there were chat rooms we could use, in the evenings after work.

Don’t forget this was before Whatsapp and messenger services and it was a perfect way to spend a few hours.

I made sure to check that I wouldn’t offend anyone by joining and in fact, I was welcomed with open arms and I spoke to lots of people from all walks of life.

Many a happy hour (or ten) was spent chatting in the local area chatroom and I was completely accepted. If a ‘new’ person joined the group and started questioning why I was in there, or became abusive, everyone else would stick up for me and protect me.

It was a marvellous time and I still stay in touch with some of the wonderful people I met through the group.

About ten years or so ago, I happened to be in London for my birthday at the beginning of July. We stumbled across the Pride Parade and got swept along with it. The colours, music, carnival costumes, attitudes and atmosphere was absolutely out of this world.

Policing Pride

Pictures were taken with drag queens, drinks bought and shared with strangers and I have to say it was one of the best times I have spent in London. Absolutely magical!

Since then I have found myself in London around the same time and ended up joining the Pride parade with friends. It is always the best atmosphere ever and such a joyous celebration of life and love.

The New Village People?

Fast forwarding to my current job, we have a very diverse workforce. There are associations that people can join which cover everything from religion, to the menopause, to LGBTQIA+

It was during one lunchtime that I saw someone placing different flags into glasses on the dinner tables. I recognised the universal Rainbow flag but there were several others with stripes of varying colours that I didn’t know about.

Did you realise there was as many?

I struck up a conversation with a wonderful guy called Michael and asked about the flags. He told me that they represented different groups within the LGBTQIA+ community and showed me some of the ones he had, including Lesbian, Transgender and Bisexual as well as the traditional Gay Pride flag.

We had a good chat about the flags, their meanings and also the association within work.

Unlike some groups, which require you to be part of that ‘community’ such as a Christian association,  the LGBTQIA+ association welcomes all people of all genders, sexualities and sexes.

There is even a term for a straight person who supports the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.

An Ally.

My Lanyard

All those years I had been an Ally to the community and I never knew it.

I have even been given a lanyard at work that is rainbow coloured and proclaims that I am a LGBTQIA+ Ally.

And I wear it with ‘Pride’ (Pardon the Pun)

I am completely honoured to wear it yet it also makes me sad in a huge way.

The fact that even in 2021 there is still discrimination and victimisation.

It is not anyone’s business how someone chooses to live their life. If they want to love someone of the same sex, change their gender, be asexual or even have multiple partners, what does that have to do with anyone else?

The LGBTQIA+ Community has come a long way over the past few decades, with the Sexual Offences Act 1967 ruling it no longer illegal to have a homosexual relationship,  as long as it was consensual, in private and both parties were over the age of 21.

Countries where relationships of the Same Sex is Illegal

Yet for a heterosexual relationship, the age of consent was 16.  Still discriminatory, however better than going to Jail!

The introduction of Civil Partnerships in 2005 and the Same Sex Marriage act in 2013 gave even more legal rights and allowed people to celebrate their love whilst giving them the same protection in law as a heterosexual couple.  About time too!

But there are still Countries were these liberties are not allowed.

Punishments for being LGBTQIA+

Whilst researching this, I came across the fact that over 70 countries still have laws against LGBTQIA+ people.

At least SIX of these Countries inflict the death penalty.

This totally blew my mind and made me realise that whilst there is still discrimination and hatred within our Country, it is even worse in many more.

Terrible Statistics

I cannot imagine what it would be like living somewhere where you could lose your life, simply for loving someone.

For living life the way you want to.

In the meantime, I will continue being an Ally, having fun and adventures with my friends of all sexes, genders, sexualities, colours, creeds, religions, beliefs and more.

Given the World we now live in, more than ever before (give the current Pandemic) why can’t people just live and let live.

Live and let Live, eh?

A novel idea but one I think we should all embrace wholeheartedly.

Till next time,

SPSG xxx

Whilst I am not an expert, I found some really great websites with helpful information and help here, including for Young People and also Mental Health support  – links here.

https://lgbt.foundation

https://www.stonewall.org.uk/

https://buffer.com/resources/lgbtqia-resources/

https://www.grammarly.com/blog/lgbt-terms/

https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/advice-for-life-situations-and-events/mental-health-support-if-you-are-gay-lesbian-bisexual-lgbtq/

https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/tips-for-everyday-living/lgbtiqplus-mental-health/about-lgbtiqplus-mental-health/