Love is love! Pride and LGTBQ+ at Generate Voices

At one of our latest Generate Voices meetings, the members spoke about the LGTBQ+ Community and Pride Month. 

Generate Voices spoke about this before in one of our first meetings and decided that “Love should not be labelled!” “Love should not be labelled” – talking about LGBTQ+ rights at the Generate Voices Forum | Generate (generate-uk.org) 

This meeting was co-led by Leon who is passionate about Pride and the LGTBQ+ community. 

Generate Voices know what Pride Month is and why it’s important to celebrate this not just in the UK but all over the world. 

We discussed famous gay celebrities who identified as gay, lesbian, bisexual and celebrities who identify as they/them. 

Terry mentioned some professional wrestlers who were gay or lesbian and that they wear a rainbow to show their support. 

Leon discussed the history of Pride Month and its origins; it was started after the Stonewall Riots in New York. 

But was does Pride mean? It’s about celebrating the people who fought for rights in the LGTBQ+ community! 

The official Pride flag has been updated to include more of how people identify themselves as. 

Afterwards, our members got the chance to share how they felt about this topic. Leon asked, “Has anyone felt afraid to express themselves before?” 

One member said he felt uncomfortable about coming out as bisexual as still some family members don’t know. 

Members shared experiences of being unsure about their sexuality as well as schools and colleges being difficult places to talk about it. 

Terry mentioned the lack of education and how some things aren’t being taught in schools. 

Kaite asked “Should LGTBQ+ be taught in schools?” 

Leon answered “Yes it should as it would minimize hate crime and prejudice against being gay! It should be taught from a young age!” 

Members also mentioned the many barriers of being a part of the LGTBQ+ community, countries which do not have gay rights, how it goes against some religions, people who don’t accept it, the lack of education and tradition. 

Leon said, “Love is love!” to which everyone agreed! 

Members shared their ideas on how to celebrate Pride and to be an ally to the LGTBQ community! 

Create spaces for them to be able to show people it’s okay to be gay and whatever feelings they have and show respect for how they are feeling, there should be more! 

Counselling groups and helplines are also a good idea. 

Terry said, “We can celebrate our differences by having rainbows where they are important to us!” 

Treat people how you want to be treated and don’t judge! 

More ideas include stickers, face paint during Pride Parade and going to gay bars. 

Generate Voices may celebrate Pride by hosting our own event! We will keep you updated! 

If you’re interested in Generate Voices and the meetings we run,