A Journey of Riots and Celebration
Pride Month, celebrated every June, traces its origins to the Stonewall Riots of June 1969. These riots occurred in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City, a popular gathering place for the LGBTQIA+ community. The subsequent protests marked a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights, sparking the modern LGBTQIA+ liberation movement. The first official Pride marches were held in 1970 to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots, setting a precedent for annual celebrations and protests advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights.
Importance Then and Now
Initially, Pride Month was a radical act of visibility and protest against the widespread discrimination and violence faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals. It served as a platform for the community to demand equal rights, legal protections, and societal acceptance. Over the decades, Pride has evolved into a global movement, celebrating the progress made while acknowledging the ongoing struggles.
Today, Pride Month is about celebrating the diversity and achievements of the LGBTQIA+ community, promoting self-affirmation, dignity, and equal rights. It serves as a reminder of the battles fought and the work still needed to achieve full equality. Despite significant progress, many LGBTQIA+ individuals continue to face discrimination, stigma, and legal challenges, making Pride Month as relevant now as ever.
What happened this month?
This month, Organisers for Suffolk celebrated Pride with a variety of vibrant and inclusive events throughout June.
The festivities kicked off with Pride BLOOMS at The Cornhill in Ipswich, featuring flower displays, speeches, and a march through the town. Rainbow Friday at The Club in Ipswich followed, offering a lively party atmosphere with DJ sets. The second week saw the Suffolk Roller Derby’s Pride Roller Disco and Luscious Leona’s Camp Night Out, which included live music and drag performances in Felixstowe.
Week three included Queer Noise, a punk music night at The Spread Eagle, and the Pride Pole Jam, a beginner-friendly pole dancing session. The New Wolsey Theatre hosted the Laugh Out Proud Comedy Show and Queer Joy Disco. The fourth week featured Non Such DJ’s at The Spread Eagle and a Youth Takeover event at The Hold in Ipswich, which included live performances and workshops.
The celebrations are looking to wrap up with B*tch & Stitch, a social crafting event at Geek Retreat, the Fox Yard Pride Party in Stowmarket, and a Wellbeing Walk along the Felixstowe promenade.
These events fostered community connection, celebration, and support, making Suffolk Pride 2024 a memorable celebration.
Don't miss out!
The last calendar event organised by Suffolk Pride Fringe is their Wellbeing Walk!
On Sunday, 30th June, starting at 10:45 am, people will gather at Beach Street in Felixstowe, for a relaxing and inclusive stroll along the promenade.
Event Details:
Date and Time: Sunday, 30th June, starting at 10:45 am
Location: Beach Street, Felixstowe
Activities:
Walk along the prom towards Old Felixstowe and back
Return to Beach Street for lunch, socialising, and relaxation
Accessibility: This is an all-ages and accessible event
Cost: The event is free, but participants should consider transportation costs to and from the event
Enjoy a leisurely walk, meet new people, and say goodbye to the Suffolk Pride Fringe in a beautiful seaside setting. This is a perfect opportunity to connect with the community, enjoy some fresh air, and celebrate the spirit of Pride.
For more information, visit the Suffolk Pride website: https://suffolkpride.org.uk/pride2024/.
Mental Health Support for the LGBTQ+ Community
The importance of appropriate mental health support for the LGBTQIA+ community cannot be overstated. Studies consistently show that LGBTQIA+ individuals are at a higher risk for mental health issues due to the stigma, discrimination, and isolation they often face. In the UK, for example, nearly half of LGBTQIA+ individuals have contemplated suicide at some point in their lives.
Depression and Anxiety: LGBTQIA+ individuals are 1.5 times more likely to suffer from depression and anxiety than the general population.
Suicidal Thoughts: Nearly half (48%) of transgender individuals have attempted suicide at least once, compared to 1 in 20 (5%) of the general population.
Bullying and Harassment: 2 in 5 LGBTQIA+ students (40%) have experienced homophobic, biphobic, or transphobic bullying at school.
These statistics highlight the urgent need for mental health services that are sensitive to the unique challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Commitment to Non-Discrimination at Teenage Mental Health
At Teenage Mental Health, we are committed to providing non-discriminatory mental health support. We recognise the unique experiences and challenges faced by LGBTQIA+ individuals and are dedicated to offering a safe, supportive, and inclusive environment. Everyone who comes to us for mental health support is treated with dignity and respect, regardless of their identity or orientation. Our goal is to ensure that all individuals receive the care they need and deserve, helping them to navigate their mental health journeys with confidence and support.
Pride Month is a time to celebrate the progress made in LGBTQIA+ rights while recognising the ongoing challenges faced by the community.
It's a call to action for continued advocacy, support, and understanding. At TMH, in response to this month, we wish to promote the need for appropriate mental health support and understanding for the LGBTQIA+ community.
TMH encourages all to create an inclusive environment, so we can help ensure that LGBTQIA+ individuals lead healthier, happier lives. Let's come together still after this Pride Month to honour the past, celebrate the present, and work towards a more inclusive future.
