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What Is Pride and Why Do We Still Need It?

A Look Back — and a Look Within

by the author of Mom, Dad... I'm Drowning



🌈 How It All Started

It was the early hours of June 28, 1969. The Stonewall Inn — a small, dimly lit bar in Greenwich Village, New York — was one of the rare places where LGBTQ+ people could exist freely, even just for a few hours. No judgment. No fear. Just dancing, laughter, messy eyeliner, love — and most of all, relief.

But that night, relief was interrupted. As police barged in to raid the bar, demanding IDs and checking people’s gender, something in the air shifted. This wasn’t the first raid, but something about this one hit differently. This time, the fear turned into rage.

It was Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman, who threw the first object — some say a shot glass, others say a brick — but no matter what it was, it was powerful enough to shatter silence. Right beside her, Stormé DeLarverie, a lesbian activist, fought back and called out to the crowd:“Why don’t you guys do something?”

And they did.The Stonewall Riots lasted for days and gave birth to the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. What followed wasn’t just chaos — it was courage. It was a refusal to keep hiding. It was pride.

A year later, on June 27, 1970, the first Pride March took place. It wasn’t just a parade — it was a protest, a shout, a collective heartbeat marching down the streets of New York saying:“We are here. We are proud. And we will not be erased.”


🏳️‍🌈 Why We Still Need Pride

I've lost count of how many times I've been asked, "But why do you even need Pride anymore?"And often, it’s followed by, “Shouldn’t we have a Straight Pride too?”

Here’s the thing: No one is denied rights for being straight. No one is bullied for it. No one is killed for it. We still live in a world where loving the “wrong” person or simply existing as yourself can cost you everything — your job, your safety, your freedom, sometimes even your life.

Pride is not about showing off.It’s about showing up — for ourselves, for our younger selves, and for every kid out there who's been made to feel like who they are is a mistake.


💔 You Are Not Alone

There were moments in my own life where I felt like I didn’t belong — like I was broken or invisible. I’ve met countless people who’ve felt the same. Pride is where that silence breaks. It’s where you find your people. It’s where you hear, “You’re not alone.”

Pride is a celebration, yes. But it’s also a battle cry. A reminder that we’re still here — and still fighting for those who can’t speak up yet.


⚖️ The Fight Isn't Over

Did you know that:

  • 69 countries still criminalize same-sex relationships?

  • Only 34 countries recognize same-sex partnerships or marriages?

  • And while some progress has been made, trans people around the world continue to face violence, erasure, and discrimination every day?

  • According to the 2012 Trans Mental Health Survey in Europe:

  • 40% of trans people had attempted suicide.

  • 55% had been diagnosed with depression.

These are not just numbers. These are real people — our friends, siblings, lovers, children.


👊🏽 We Need Pride Because:

  • Kids are still bullied at school for being LGBTQIA+.

  • Trans people are still denied medical care.

  • Same-sex couples still hide their love in public.

  • Queer refugees flee countries where being themselves is illegal.

  • People still feel like death is the only escape from rejection.

Pride is not just a rainbow flag. It’s a lifeline.It tells every LGBTQ+ person:“You are valid. You are worthy. You belong here.”


📞 If You’re Struggling — Reach Out

If you're feeling alone, hopeless, or overwhelmed, please know there is help. Whether you're young, questioning, or just going through it — you don’t have to face it in silence.


🌍 International & English-speaking Helplines:


🇬🇷 In Greece:

  • 11528 – LGBTQ+ Helpline Greece📞 11528 | 💬 11528.gr

  • Klimaka Suicide Prevention Line📞 1018

  • Checkpoint Athens & Thessaloniki💬 athenscheckpoint.gr


You are not alone — and it does get better. Let’s keep marching for those who can’t. Let’s keep showing up. Let’s keep being loud.

Because we still need Pride. And we always will — until every LGBTQ+ person can live free, loved, and safe.


"We need Pride! As long as there is even one lgbtqia+ child out there that thinks suicide is a solution...We need to fight for them. We need to fight for those who can’t! We need to let them know that it gets better and it will get better!" - Ilias

 
 
 

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