Stonewall Riots and Politics 

The 1960’s were far from welcoming times for LGBTQ individuals. Homophobia and hate crimes ran rampant throughout the U.S. and many were faced with abuse, homelessness, and detachment from their birth families for simply being themselves. Many found comfort amongst friends and peers mingling at bars and clubs. These gatherings became a safe space to express themselves openly and freely. Unfortunately, many of these places of refuge would soon be shut down by authorities as it was believed that any gathering of homosexuals was disorderly and needed to be stopped at once.

On June 28, 1969, authorities raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club located in New York City. This raid ultimately led to an emotionally fused riot which spanned over the course of 6 days as neighborhood residents and bar patrons fought against authorities for their right to exist  amongst themselves. Community members chose to continue the resistance and organized a march to Central Park, in which the theme of “Gay Pride” was born. By choosing to bring their community up rather than staying down, LGBTQ individuals created a new space of acceptance, love and support. 

Allyship

As soon as June 1st hits, many large brands and corporations will alter their look to be LGBTQIA+ friendly. There can be great power in showing support for our LGBTQIA+ neighbors however that support often withers away during the other 11 months of the year. Rich Ferraro, chief communications officer at GLAAD says the following: “That’s where brands can have immense power- is by using their influence in politics and stepping out and educating their stakeholders, whether it’s employees or consumers, or politicians, about anti- LGBTQ legislation and pro- LGBTQ legislation.”

Ferraro goes on to mention that there are certain large brands doing a great deal of good for the community and choosing to advocate outside of the 1-month window. For example, Kellogg has chosen to donate a portion of their “Together with Pride” cereal to GLAAD along with encouraging people to write down their pronouns to spread awareness. KIND is donating $50,000 along with an additional $1 for every “pride” text received to help homeless LGBTQ+ youth, a serious issue many LGBTQ+ youth are faced with when coming out to their parents or caregivers. 

Allyship is something that can’t be measured in terms of revenue or increase in stocks. Allyship is something that is felt when our voice and our privilege can help one of our LGBTQIA+ neighbors or peers feel heard, validated, respected, and more than anything, loved. “Allyship is not a single action. It is ongoing action, with a focus on other people, not yourself.” 

• Individual: actions to educate ourselves, model good behavior, or change our mindset

• Interpersonal: actions to support, surface issues, or push for changes through day-to-day interactions

• Structural: actions pushing for change in norms, policies, or systems