Time for my annual happy Pride post for all my fellow queers. While the usual Denver Pride festivities are not happening this year, we still have a lot of safer activities going on around town and since we're vaccinated I'm so excited to get to spend them with my Love.
A few reminders:
The first Pride was a riot led by trans women of color. Research Stonewall. Keep the Stonewall Inn open!
Leather and kink representation absolutely belong at Pride. There are some Gen Zers arguing against this and it's time for them to learn their history. Leather folks were/are on the front lines of fighting for sexual freedom and that needs to never be forgotten.
Straight pride isn't a thing. While we love our allies, straight folks (white ones at least- hopefully you all honor that POC and mixed race folks have absolutely experienced this same discrimination) have never had to fight for their rights to marriage, job security, children, housing, health care, THEIR LIVES.
Trans folks,especially trans women of color, are still being murdered at terrifying rates. 2021 is on track to be the deadliest one ever with at least 28 trans and gender non-conforming folks killed.
Queer and trans kids are at higher risks of homelessness, sex trafficking, and suicide than any other demographic of youth. This is disgusting.
Jokes like "Well I identify as a 21 year old" are not funny and invalidate people's identities.
Gender identity and sexual orientation are not political. If I see transphobia or homophobia in a post I'm going to speak up and we all notice when people don't.
Our allies are fiercely important to us. We need you.
Pride is, at it's heart, a celebration of unconditional love and radical sex positivity. Have a FUN and safe month and remember it's not just about cheap drinks and scantily clad twinks (though I'm totally here for all the Leather men dressed up...woof).
Important links:
The Trevor Project- suicide prevention for queer youth https://www.thetrevorproject.org/
The National LGBTQ Task Force https://www.thetaskforce.org/
The National Center for Transgender Rights https://transequality.org/
The Matthew Shepard Foundation https://www.matthewshepard.org/
PFLAG- Parents, Families, and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (and BTQ+) https://pflag.org/
Here are some resources to read about Leather history and how it is inherently queer:
The Leather Archives and Museum https://leatherarchives.org/
Urban Aboriginals by Geoff Mains
LeatherFolk by Mark Thompson
Life, Leather, and the Pursuit of Happiness by Steve Lenius
Literally anything by Patrick Califia
The Leather Quilt Project https://www.leatherquilt.com/
Please share any resources you might have!
