Across America June is National Gay Pride Month. First recognized by President Bill Clinton in 2000, President Barack Obama carried the tradition forward in 2009, 2010, 2011 and 2012. It’s a great time to celebrate not only the diversity gay friends, co-workers and family members bring to our lives – but also to recognize that the USA, and indeed the world, is one huge melting pot. We are all different, and it’s those differences that make the world, and ourselves, such an interest place to live!
You may not know it, but I guarantee you that you know someone who is gay. Chances are there is even someone in your own family who is gay. They are ordinary people – like yourself – who are living life. Yet everyday these normal people face a backlash from hate mongers and extreme-far-right religious zealots who want to oppress them and in some cases do physical harm to them. Why? Just because they are being who they are.
During June take some time to celebrate the diversity that LGBT people bring to the world. If there is a local pride event happening near where you are why not stop in and join the celebration — you will find that the pride events are family-like atmospheres that are welcoming and fun to attend (I’ll be at St. Louis Pride Fest 2012 from on June 23 – 24). If you know someone who is gay take the time to find out more about them. Invite them out to lunch or dinner and make a night out of it laughing and learning about who they are and what their dreams and aspirations are.
We are all different – and that is what makes us all so unique. Celebrate diversity!