JULY, 2020 |
GLOBAL PRIDE | QSALTLAKE MAGAZINE | 27
ISSUE 313 | Qsaltlake.com
guest editorial
Pride has no finish line
As I write
by Pride organizations across the globe who came together to organize Global Pride after the COVID19 pandemic caused the cancellation or postponement of more than 500 Pride events worldwide. Other announced performers are ADAM LAMBERT, THE VILLAGE PEOPLE, MEL C, LEANN RIMES, PUSSY RIOT, CALUM SCOTT, NATASHA BEDINGFIELD, and MARY LAMBERT. Speakers from the world of entertainment include PUSSYCAT DOLLS, RITA ORA, BEBE REXHA, STEPHEN FRY, LESLIE JORDAN, and JOANNA LUMLEY. In late May Costa Rica legalized equal marriage, and the country’s president, CARLOS ALVARADO QUESADA, will be part of the event. Also participating are the Prime Ministers of Norway, ERNA SOLBERG, and Luxembourg, XAVIER BETTEL, and PRINCE MANVENDRA SINGH GOHIL of India. All were approached by Pride organizations in their own country and agreed to be part of the festivities. More than 500 Pride organizations submitted more than 1,000 pieces of content for Global Pride, and the volunteer production team is now editing the content to pull the 24-hour stream together. “Fifty years ago, grassroots organizations came together to plan the first Gay Liberation Day that changed the world, including the Daughters of Bilitis, Gay Liberation
Front, Mattachine Society, and Lavender Menace. The production of Global Pride has been planned in the same grassroots manner, but with a 21st-century technological twist. LGBTQIA+ people from around the world will come together virtually during this crisis of racial injustice and a pandemic,” said executive producer for Global Pride, Michelle Meow. “By taking Pride online, not only are we making sure that LGBTQIA+ people everywhere can still experience the joy and community of Pride, but we also for the first time are enabling people to take part in Pride wherever they are. This means people who aren’t out, or who are living in socially conservative countries, can take part. The support will mean so much to marginalized people everywhere.” Q Moreinformation at globalpride2020.org
BY BEN WINSLOW
this, people are gathering on Capitol Hill for another day of demonstrations. People are speaking out, sharing their struggles and pain of oppression and systemic inequality, and getting support from allies as they push for societal change. Reflecting back on the history of the modern LGBTQ+ civil rights movement, there are a lot of similarities here. I tell your stories and report at an arm’s length on many of these issues, so it’s a little uncomfortable for me to share my feelings or thoughts on the “Pride” season. Like a lot of you, my journey to self-acceptance and living authentically as a gay man is a long one, with no finish line. Pride is believing in yourself, knowing that you have value and worth, and knowing that you belong here. Sometimes you have to remind yourself of that fact constantly. Sometimes you find that
reminder among your friends, co-workers, chosen family, and even with total strangers in the community. There’s no parade or festival this year to have a public affirmation of Pride (thanks, COVID-19!). We are in times where we feel more distant and disconnected than ever before, even on a Zoom call with 40 other people. But when the parade has passed by and the party’s over, there’s still a community we’re in and we have a shared humanity. Today, it’s my turn to remind our community: You belong here. Oh, and stay safe, wash your hands, wear a face mask when social distancing is not possible, make sure you’re registered to vote, and don’t be afraid to contact your lawmakers on issues that are important to you! Q Ben Winslow is a multi-platform journalist for FOX 13 News, breaking news on a number of platforms. He has covered some of Utah’s biggest news stories in a 20-year journalism career working for newspaper, radio, television, and digital mediums.
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