Pride Started as a Riot

Every June the logos turn rainbow and the word Pride gets used like it has always meant a parade with corporate floats. It is worth remembering that it started as a riot. Stonewall was not a celebration; it was people who were tired of being raided and beaten fighting back against the police, led by the queer and trans people of color who had the least to gain and the most to lose.

I am glad Pride is also a party now. The joy is earned and the visibility matters. But a party that forgets it was a protest becomes decoration, and decoration is easy to take down when the political weather turns.

Wave the flag, dance in the street, buy the t-shirt if you want. Just remember the bill was paid in advance by people who rioted so that the rest of us could one day march in daylight. Pride is a celebration because it was a fight first.