CSD 2023 The annual CSD (Christopher Street Day) Pride Month in June is a celebration of the LGBTQ+ community and a significant milestone in the history of the LGBTQ+ movement. The origins of Pride Month can be traced back to the events of the Stonewall uprising, which took place in June 1969 on Christopher Street in New York City.

The Stonewall uprising began as a response to repeated police raids on the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay and transgender bar. On that fateful night, the bar's patrons fought back against police harassment and discrimination, marking a turning point in the LGBTQ+ movement and serving as a catalyst for the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights.

One year after the Stonewall uprising, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade was held in New York City, which is considered a precursor to the CSD Pride Month. In the following years, similar parades and events were organized in various cities across the United States and around the world. These parades became a symbol of pride, visibility, and solidarity within the LGBTQ+ community.

Over time, the CSD Pride Month has evolved into a comprehensive program featuring various events such as parades, demonstrations, concerts, film festivals, exhibitions, and lectures. Its aims are to promote LGBTQ+ rights, combat discrimination, and celebrate the diversity of sexual orientation and gender identity.

The month of June holds symbolic significance as it commemorates the Stonewall uprising and celebrates the progress made in LGBTQ+ rights since then. It serves as a time for reflection, remembrance, and commitment to building a more inclusive and just society for all gender identities and sexual orientations.

Today, the CSD Pride Month is celebrated in many countries worldwide and has garnered broad support from LGBTQ+ organizations, associations, businesses, and individuals. It provides an opportunity to stand up for equality and acceptance and to support the LGBTQ+ community.

Hot take: No matter who started the fight, Nex Benedict did not deserve to die.

Beating or suicide, someone is at fault either way.

Judith and Her Maidservant

The law of the land

Remember, not doing crime is not the same as doing the right thing. Don't fall for this neoliberal fallacy. They want us to blindly follow their rules as if their own are infallible. Progressives will fail if we still believe this.

Today's another tough day, and on tough days, we fall back on community. 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

We'll never stop fighting for our rights and sharing your important stories with the world. Read our response to the Supreme Court Decision to Overturn Roe V. Wade:

"We prepared for this moment. We hoped human decency would prevent it from happening, but we prepared, and it doesn’t make it any less maddening now that it’s happened. The overturning of Roe vs. Wade is a devastating blow to body autonomy and to basic human rights in the United States. Just as we felt when a draft of this opinion first leaked last month, we are angry and we are frustrated.

Across the country, we’ve already seen attacks on trans kids and the control they have over their bodies. All of these attacks are connected. Anti-choice policy will have an overwhelmingly negative impact on the most marginalized members of the LGBTQ+ community — people of color, immigrants, people with disabilities, people with limited financial resources, and people who lack access to proper healthcare will undoubtedly suffer the most. 

We also know that this is the moment when LGBTQ+ people will rise and we will fight. Together and for each other. This is a scary and uncertain moment, without question. But it is also a moment when leaders will be born out of necessity. At the It Gets Better Project, we will continue offering a platform, a community, and resources to amplify those voices who are fighting for change. 

As we said last month and repeat again here, we will fight to ensure the next generation has the authority and confidence to speak out against threats to their right to live freely and unapologetically. LGBTQ+ youth need our support now more than ever, and we will not stop fostering queer joy, resilience, and love. 

Stay proud, speak loud, and never stop fighting for what’s right.

– It Gets Better Project"

You can also read and share the statement with links to resources on itgetsbetter.org.

#lgbtqrights #lgbtq #lgbt #pride #lgbtqpride #loveislove #lgbtqia #gay #lgbtqcommunity #lesbian #queer #transgender #humanrights #equality #gayrights #bisexual #transrights #trans #womensrights #nonbinary #lgbtrights #lgbtqlove #pridemonth #gaypride #lgbtpride #lgbtcommunity #lgbtqrightsarehumanrights #blacklivesmatter #lgbtqi #lgbtqa (at Cocoa, Florida) https://www.instagram.com/p/Cpd16jcuhtG/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Malign influence of Ugandan homophobia is spreading to neighboring Congo

New unsanctioned work by Corie Mattie in West Hollywood.

First ex-Soviet state Estonia legalizes same-sex marriage

Prime Minister Kaja Kallas expressed her pride in Estonia as the bill garnered 55 votes in the 101-seat parliament. Estonia, a progressive ex-Soviet state, has made significant strides in advancing LGBT rights over the past few decades. Same-sex sexual activity was legalized in 1992, and in 2016, same-sex couples gained the ability to register their relationship through cohabitation agreements. On June 20, 2023, Estonia achieved another milestone by becoming the first ex-Soviet state to legalize same-sex marriage. This historic move reflects Estonia's commitment to equality and aligns it with Western values while distinguishing itself from neighboring Russia. Legal Framework and Progress in Estonia The path to same-sex marriage in Estonia involved public debates, court rulings, and the passing of the Registered Partnership Act in 2014. However, the implementation of certain acts required for the law to take effect faced delays, resulting in legal complications. The new Estonian government, committed to promoting equality, pledged to pass the necessary acts, and the Supreme Court recognized the right of same-sex couples to family life. Support for LGBT rights and Same-Sex Marriage in Estonia Estonia is considered one of the most liberal ex-Soviet states regarding LGBT rights, with a majority of the population supporting anti-discrimination laws and same-sex marriage, as indicated by a 2023 survey. This growing support is a testament to changing attitudes and increased acceptance in Estonian society. Advocates of same-sex marriage emphasize the importance of equal rights, reducing hostility, and creating a secure environment for all individuals. Estonia's progress in LGBT rights is seen as a potential catalyst for change in neighboring countries like Latvia and Lithuania, inspiring them to follow suit. Impact of Legalizing Same-Sex Marriage The legalization of same-sex marriage in Estonia will eliminate legal uncertainties faced by same-sex couples and solidify their rights. Starting from January 1, 2024, same-sex couples will have the right to marry and jointly adopt, further enhancing their legal recognition and family rights. The new law will also enable joint adoption by same-sex couples, expanding their ability to create and raise families. Estonia's move towards marriage equality reinforces its commitment to inclusivity and ensures that all loving couples have the same rights and opportunities, irrespective of sexual orientation. Ongoing Challenges and the Road Ahead While Estonia has made significant progress in promoting LGBT rights, challenges and discrimination against the LGBTQ+ community still persist in certain sectors of Estonian society. Continued efforts are necessary to address these issues and foster greater acceptance and equality for all individuals. Advocacy groups, lawmakers, and activists will continue their work to combat discrimination, raise awareness, and promote understanding. Read the full article

Come to our fraternity

The situation for homosexual men has improved in many parts of the world in recent decades, but there are still significant variations depending on the country and region. In some countries, significant progress has been made to promote the rights and equality of homosexual men, while in others, discrimination and persecution still occur.

In many Western countries, homosexual men now have legal protections and equal rights. Same-sex marriage or civil partnerships are recognized in many countries, and anti-discrimination laws protect against discrimination based on sexual orientation. Additionally, homosexual men in many countries have the right to adopt children or form their own families.

However, challenges and obstacles remain. Homophobia, stigma, and prejudice continue to exist in many societies. In some countries, homosexual acts are still criminalized, and homosexual men may face discrimination, violence, or social exclusion.

The recognition and acceptance of homosexual men also vary significantly across different cultural, religious, and social contexts. In some conservative or religiously influenced societies, homosexual men are still stigmatized and discriminated against.

It is important to note, however, that progress is being made. LGBT+ rights are increasingly recognized and supported worldwide, and there is growing visibility and acceptance of homosexual men in many areas of public life. Organizations and activists continue to work towards combating homophobia, protecting the rights of homosexual men, and creating an inclusive society where every person is respected regardless of their sexual orientation.

The situation for homosexual men is complex and multifaceted, and it differs from country to country. It is important to acknowledge the progress that has been made but also to continue fighting for full equality and recognition of homosexual men in order to create a fair and inclusive society. (Chat GPT-3.5)

I am saddened and disgusted by JK Rowling’s recent and continued abuse of the Trans community and in effect Trans people themselves. I am more so disgusted that she finds the subsequent anger over her words “amusing”. Listen, at this point one single hateful voice should be obsolete - old news - but even after four plus years of this shit, her hateful comments continue to appear on my social media feed and I don’t even follow her. I know her books are beloved, I grew up with them too, but I’m sick and tired of the hateful person having such a platform. Twice this week I have been bombarded by her words and her face. Once that recent interview she did and just minutes ago her actual posts showing up on my twitter feed. I had such a fun morning with my DnD group and now I’m just in a foul mood. Why on earth do we call TERFS, TERFS and not just bigots and transphobes. I’m uncomfortable with the idea of these people calling themselves feminist. Feminists fight for gender equality so as long as you use and abuse our transgender sisters and siblings you have no right to be counted among those of us who actually behave like feminists. TERFS are ascribing a very real fear of cis men and rape culture to a different group of people who have a) done nothing to deserve it and b) been maybe even more oppressed and abused than us cis gendered women. TERFS take away actual help and change from not only trans women but from other cis women as well. If we keep saying that trans women using public restrooms is the reason women are in danger in society, cis men who stalk, belittle, cat call, rape, assault, harass, abuse, confuse, gaslight, and control us go unnoticed and get away with it. The cis men who abuse us and control our society benefit from the rhetoric that TERFS push. So, no. TERFS are not feminists, they are bigoted women who suffer from severe internalized misogyny and abuse other women. Feminists are women who support women so if you call yourself a TERF, just change it to bigot because you aren’t one of us. * Very sorry for the angry rant I just had to get that off my chest. * * * #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtq #lgbtqrights #lgbtqia #lgbtqa #queer #transgender #transrights https://www.instagram.com/p/Cn-NWK1PaGj/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

I'm a #rainbow 🏳️‍🌈 #lgbtq🌈 #queer #unicorni #davidbrownie #shesarainbow #rock #70s #vintagestuff #lgbtqpride #queergirl #pride #arcobaleno🌈 #lgbtqrights #onedayatatime #woman #rights #tabledecor #study #books #readingaddict #loveislove #freedomofchoice 💌☕♀💪☮ https://www.instagram.com/p/ClR3TmuLUd0va9bPFw2od5n6mWPzINp9DYIbvE0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Radical left… #radicalhonesty #radicallove #humanityfirst #prochoiceisprolife #sciencerules #diversitymatters #healthcareforall #blacklivesmatter #lgbtqrights (at Catalina Foothills, Arizona) https://www.instagram.com/p/ClJZgn4LPgIlJ_qgVI_zG6dxNaE3joSRSxnvUY0/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

Some voting rights info for everyone. PLEASE make every effort to get out and vote. We are on the precipice of fascism and we need to deploy every tool in the toolbox to protect democracy - especially with bodily autonomy, lgbtq+ rights, voting rights, affirmative action, and other human rights issues on the line. If you’re afraid of voter intimidation in your area, arm yourself with the phone numbers in slides 2 and 3, get pictures of anyone who attempts to intimidate you out of voting, and if you’re afraid try to go in a group if you can. It’s ludicrous that this is necessary, but here we are. We need to learn from history and fight like hell to be counted. It’s also not too late to throw some support (donations, volunteering, etc) to candidates in close races, like @betoorourke or @valdemings - it could still make a difference. As for me in Massachusetts, I urge you to join me in voting for the following candidates and ballot measures: Governor/Lt Gov: Healey/Driscoll Attorney General: Andrea Campbell Secretary of State: William F Galvin Treasurer: Deborah Goldberg Auditor: Diana Dizoglio The rest: vote straight Democrat down ticket, obviously. Ballot questions: YES on all 4. Godspeed, everyone. #voting #vote #votingrights #voterintimidation #voterintimidationisillegal #voterintimidationhotlines #voterregistration #votersuppression #votebluetosaveamerica #votedemocrat #voteblue #midterms #midtermelections #politics #reproductiverights #bodilyautonomy #lgbtqrights #lgbtrights #affirmativeaction https://www.instagram.com/p/Ckov_QruSyd/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=