Pride festivals crucial for physical, mental well-being of community

June is upon us and with it comes the annual celebrations of LGBTQ+ Pride. While Las Vegas doesn’t host its Pride festival until October, communities such as Henderson and Pahrump host their festivities in June as part of the larger celebration of global Pride in cities around the world.

Pride celebrates the solidarity of today’s vibrant and diverse identities and communities that fall under the LGBTQ+ umbrella, as well as the sacrifices of previous generations and promise of progress yet to be realized.

The origins of Pride celebrations in the U.S. can be traced back to a June 1969 police raid on the patrons of the Stonewall Inn bar in New York City. The raid targeted gay, lesbian and gender-bending patrons whose only crime was showing affection or attraction to someone of the same sex or dressing in clothes that were considered by mainstream society to be worn exclusively by the opposite sex.

While organizations advocating for lesbian and gay rights and demonstrations against police targeting of queer people had occurred prior to 1969 in cities such as Philadelphia, Milwaukee, San Francisco, and Los Angeles, the unprecedented scale and diversity of voices involved in the six-day clash in Greenwich Village captured national headlines and united disparate communities.

In June 1970, to mark the first anniversary of the Stonewall raid, activists organized the Christopher Street Liberation Day March, which is regarded as the world’s first Pride parade. Similar events soon followed in cities across the United States.

In the 1980s and 1990s, Pride events took on additional significance amid the AIDS crisis, which was too often ignored by political leaders and public health officials because of its disproportionate effect on gay men. Once again, LGBTQ+ people refused to remain silent or invisible.

Under the leadership of lesbian activists who had become caretakers for their gay friends and neighbors, Pride became a platform for raising awareness, demanding government action and memorializing those lost to the AIDS epidemic. The visibility and political activism of Pride during this period were crucial in advancing equal rights and public health initiatives.

In more recent years, Pride celebrations have expanded to include a broader spectrum of identities, including transgender and nonbinary people. Pride celebrations have also sought to be more inclusive of those with intersecting identities, such as the elderly, people of color, people with differing abilities and youths. This inclusivity has been vital in acknowledging and addressing the unique challenges faced by different groups within the community and the solidarity needed to drive effective political change that is at the heart of Pride.

Unlike other historical celebrations in the nation, today’s Pride celebrations play a critical role today in supporting the mental and physical health of the community.

Numerous studies have shown that LGBTQ+ people are more likely than their heterosexual counterparts to be the victims of violent crimes, including sexual assault. Because this violence can often originate from within their home and family, LGBTQ+ youths and young adults are also more likely to be homeless or live in poverty than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts. This trend too often continues through the end of life, when LGBTQ+ seniors are more likely to live alone, without the comfort or assistance of biological family members and without the financial resources to hire in-home care.

As a result, LGBTQ+ people in every age group are more likely to experience loneliness, depression and suicidal thoughts than their non-LGBTQ+ counterparts.

For individuals who may feel isolated or unsupported in their everyday lives, Pride can be a transformative experience. By providing visibility to a community that has historically been marginalized and silenced, Pride can foster relationships and solidarity within communities, and invite acceptance and understanding from society writ large.

The colorful parades, vibrant costumes, and festive atmosphere are a testament to the resilience and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community and its desire to experience the same relationships, joy, acceptance and freedoms as the rest of society. They reflect a spirit of defiance against oppression and a refusal to be diminished by prejudice.

In short, Pride celebrations in the United States are more than just parades and parties; they are a vital part of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ rights and acceptance. They honor the history of struggle and resistance, provide a sense of community and belonging, and serve as a powerful platform for advocacy and change. As society continues to evolve, Pride remains a beacon of hope, unity and unbridled self-expression.

We hope you’ll join us in offering our heartfelt support for LGBTQ+ people and for Pride celebrations across the country this year.

Locally, the first of two Henderson Pride events kicks off today at the Water Street Plaza. Information on that event can be found at hendersonpride.org. A second festival will take place June 8 at Sunset Park. More information on that festival is available at hendersonequalitycenter.org/henderson-pride-fest-2024.

Pride month closes this year June 30 as the Pahrump Pride festival takes over the Pahrump Nugget Hotel and Casino. More information on that event is at lasvegaspride.org/event/pahrump-proud.

All three events are free, open to the public and promote family-friendly programming for people of all ages.