Pride Month and VAHA – 3 tips for celebrating PRIDE all year round

The meaning of Pride

The acronym PRIDE originally stood for “Promote Respect, Inclusion, and Dignity for Everyone”. Just 52 years ago, on the 28th of June 1969, the Stonewall riots took place in New York and put the severe lack of LGBTQIA+ rights into the spotlight. Because at that time, same-sex sexual relations were still punishable by imprisonment in the USA – as is still the case in some countries around the world today! One year after the Stonewall riots, the first march took place commemorating Christopher Street Day. Since then, the day marks the queer community’s struggle for equality and tolerance in government, law and society – and the acceptance of all sexual orientations and gender identities. Thanks to activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera, we can celebrate June as Pride Month worldwide, where everyone can be proud of what makes them unique. Not just in terms of gender and sexual orientation, but the whole combination of individual personality traits – be it sexuality, skin colour, origin, age, or even the fitness level. For those wondering: the acronym LGBTQIA+ stands for “Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual/Aromantic” and everyone else who feels part of this community.

Pride at VAHA

Being proud means celebrating your unique personality traits. And especially for the queer community, this self-esteem, a pride in one’s own sexuality and identity, has not been common for a long time. That’s why we at VAHA are proud of our diverse community, where everyone can follow their individual path and feel supported and cheered on by the group. What unites our VAHA team is the passion for providing every one of our members with the journey that suits their needs and preferences. And we are proud that at VAHA, self-fulfilment, diversity, and the inclusion of everyone are part of our core values. To be free to express your true self and to feel accepted and embraced for it remains a privilege. And that’s why we celebrated this month as loudly and vividly as possible – with a spectacular live class series: the VAHA Pride classes!

Pride for every day of the year

A look at the statistics shows why Pride month is still important today. Same-sex marriage is only legal in 29 out of 195 countries – that’s under 15% of the world. In 69 countries, homosexuality is still a criminal offence; and in six of them, gay sex is punishable by death. In many places, “otherness” remains a daily struggle, and members of the LGBTQIA+ community are five times more likely to commit suicide before the age of 25 than the general population. These numbers show how important year-round support of the LGBTQIA+ movement is. Therefore we’ve put together three tips for you to let the rainbow shine every day of the year! 

#1 Listen

The Pride movement shows us one thing above all: that there’s more that unites us than divides us. You can find new perspectives and unexpected inspiration in books, movies, articles or simply from those around you. Confront your own prejudices and biases by informing yourself, asking questions and exchanging ideas. 

#2 Make a statement

Clear, informed statements are essential. Whether you are part of the LGBTQIA+ community, simply want to advocate for the causes of this community, or support people in your family, circle of friends or work environment, first, you need to define what Pride means to you.

#3 Become an ally

Now it’s time to get involved! Raising your voice for equal opportunities is great, but actively participating and supporting the community is even better. Do you know where your local LGBTQIA+ organisation is? You’ll be surprised at the number of possibilities to support and show solidarity! Together we can pave the way to a more open, tolerant and rainbow coloured society!