Every year this month is celebrated to honour the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, New York. That Uprising was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States. Initially the last Sunday in June was celebrated as "Gay Pride Day," but the actual day was flexible. In major cities across the US the "day" soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events. Today, celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, workshops, and concerts. Before covid memorials were held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost due to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The true purpose of pride month is to recognize the impact that Queer individuals have had on history locally, and internationally. South African queer people enjoy the same rights as non queer people in the eyes of the law. Other African countries have a long way to go before queers not only enjoy their right to equality but can also live their lives safely and in dignity. While we celebrate pride month this year, we must remember the lives of the Queer Kings and Kweens who have been brutally taken away from us due to homophobic violence, intolerance and hatred for living their truth. There are many organizations in South Africa and Africa who dedicate their time and energy to protect the rights of all queer people. I urge you all to support their efforts by donating to them as many are greatly underfunded. To all those brave brothers and sisters I salute you and all the work that you do. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/queer-talk-podcast/message