PRIDE IN 'PRIDE' 2021

                                   

Every year, during the month of June, the LGBT community celebrates in a variety of ways, millions come together to support the community and raise awareness around sexuality, equality, rights and the freedom to be ourselves. Various events, parades and festivals are held during this month as a way of recognising the influence LGBT people have had around the world, and June was chosen because it is when the 1969 Stonewall Riots took place, the protests that began to change gay rights for many in America and beyond.

Ultimately, the month celebrates lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, non binary and queer (LGBTQ+) social and self acceptance, achievements, legal rights, and pride. The events also at times serve as demonstrations for legal rights such as same sex marriage. Pride has long been vital in paving the way for progression – recognising the need for equal rights for people of all genders and sexual orientations.

It's about people coming together in love and friendship, to show how far gay rights have come, even if in some places there's still some work to be done. Pride month is about teaching, tolerance, education in pride history, continuing to move forward in equality and accepting others for who they are and allowing ourselves and others to have the freedom to be ourselves. It calls for people to remember how damaging homophobia was and can still be. It's about being proud of who you are no matter who you love. Love is love.

Although there is continued progression to be made towards equality, there are many positive changes that are happening, one of which is in the world of theatre.

A host of UK’s biggest theatres have pledged to only cast trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming actors in roles with those identities.

More than 40 theatres and production companies have signed the trans casting statement, including The Royal Court, Oxford Playhouse, and Manchester’s Royal Exchange, agreeing to “never cast, or endorse a production that casts, a cisgender person in a trans, non-binary or gender non-conforming role”.

The organisations have promised to “actively seek casting opportunities” for trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people in “any role regardless of gender”, acknowledging that “they’re currently underrepresented on our stages and screens”, alongside recognising that Black trans, non-binary and gender non-conforming people “face the toughest barriers due to anti-Black racism” and “colourism”. They’ve committed to challenging these issues through their casting.

Trans actor Mika Onyx Johnson said: “visibility on screen and stage is all linked to how people are treated in real life. I think the statement will lead to more people being able to get in the room and ultimately get more work.”

The statement was triggered when a cisgendered actor was cast as a trans character in West End’s Breakfast on Pluto, causing trans actor Kate O’Donnell to leave, and Milk Presents, Outbox and The Queer House to begin the statement.

The show’s producers (Donmar Warehouse and Birmingham Rep) support the statement and O’Donnell says the commitment is a first step to addressing the lack of trans representation in British theatre.

So as we continue to move forward within society, break down social constructs, beliefs and unnecessary ideas and behaviour, we can continue to check in on our own actions and call out others on theirs. Continue to eradicate homophobia, and fight for a world of equality, justice and love.

Helping support:

DONATE: donating to causes and organisations that advocate for LGBTQ issues. Eg. LGBT.ie, BeLongTo and TENI.

CHANGING PRONOUNS ON INSTAGRAM: Showing your support on social media is arguably the most visible way to spread awareness. Simply tap ‘Edit Profile’ below your profile information, then tap ‘Pronouns’ and fill in your defined words. Even if you’re cisgender, and you identify with the sex assigned to you at birth, adding these pronouns is a important show of solidarity as it normalises discussions around gender.

CONTINUE TO EDUCATE YOURSELF: Read up on books, watch documentaries and listen to podcasts.

CHECK IN WITH YOUR OWN UNCONSCIOUS BIAS: Use what you’ve learned to look inwards at some of the ways you enable harmful stereotypes. Do you tell jokes where a gay person is the punchline? Do you use swear words that could be derogatory? Are you in a workplace that isn’t lifting up its LGBTQ staff members? Even if you feel like you don’t practise harmful behaviours, part of being an ally is also calling out unacceptable behaviour from friends and colleagues when you see or hear it.

ATTEND EVENTS:

London Pride: Due to run 11th September
Manchester Pride: Due to run 27th-30th August
Brighton Pride: CANCELLED. Was due to run 7th & 8th August. 
There are many online events to, particularly this year with the pandemic.

Happy Pride Month. Remember... Love is love and Pride not prejudice x

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