An Interview  What is Pride?

While the United States observes Pride Month in June, Germany celebrates its major Christopher Street Day (CSD) parades primarily in July and August — both marked by colorful events and growing visibility. Yet Pride celebrations are not without conflict: increasingly vocal voices in society are opposing them, deeming them unnecessary or even harmful. We asked queer people and allies what Pride means to them in these times.

What does Pride mean to you?

Pride to me still means what it meant to me when I was 19 attending my first Pride in NYC.  It was my first.  Among other things, it reminds me that there are more people like me, I am not alone.  Depending how far out of the closet you are or where you live, sometimes it feels very lonely being gay.  Pride is a chance to celebrate and really be proud of who you are and who we are, no apologies.  This is important because there are many voices, and they are getting louder, who are telling us we have no reason to be proud and should indeed be ashamed instead.  Pride is about having pride in yourself and your community. Eva, what does Pride mean to you?
For me, the Pride movement is an emotional issue. My brother came out almost 20 years ago – at a time when, unfortunately, it was often attended with exclusion and bullying. I witnessed how hurtful intolerance can be. That's why for me, Pride means visibility, solidarity and working towards a world in which no one has to be afraid to be who they are or love who they want.

How important do you think it is that Pride events are still celebrated?

Roman and Richard: I think it is critically important that Pride takes place because frankly out of sight, out of mind.  We need to remind ourselves and our larger communities that we are still here and we demand our full civil rights.  As the political climate becomes more dark, more unfriendly to the LGBT+ community, it is important that we take stand and demand our rightful place in society.  Many studies have shown that people are more accepting of LGBT+ people if they know someone who is gay or trans.  We’re here, we’re queer, get used to it! Eva: I think Pride events are absolutely necessary - perhaps even more now than ever. As a teacher in particular, I see how important it is for young people to have positive role models and safe spaces. Pride events offer exactly that - and give them the courage to stand up for themselves. How would you say the meaning of Pride has changed?

Roman and Richard: I don’t know that the meaning of Pride has changed but Pride means different things to different people.  Pride has taken us through the depths of the AIDS crisis, and there has been plenty of dancing, drag queens and guys in speedos to celebrate gay marriage.  We did it together.  Arm in arm.  We supported one another.  I’m sure Pride has a totally different meaning to a young person who did not live through the AIDS crisis.  Pride still means celebrating our accomplishments and our perseverance.  I think the meaning of Pride has changed for the non-LGBT community as the political climate becomes more hostile to the LGBT+ community.  Its an opportunity for those hostile to the LGBT+ community to show that we are “the other,” a threat to society.
  Eva: Pride has evolved in recent years. The movement has become louder, more diverse and at the same time more conscious. And people like Trump, who are once again restricting the rights of queer people, and the legal situation in various countries that still consider homosexuality to be a criminal offense, make it imperative that there is a platform that offers visibility and public attention.