June 15, 2025 • 21 mins
In this powerful episode, we journey through the rich and resilient history of Pride; from its radical roots in protest and resistance to its evolution into a global celebration of identity, love, and progress. We explore key moments in LGBTQ+ history, the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the movement, and the legacy of those who fought for the rights many enjoy today. But the story doesn’t end there. As we examine how past victories have influenced modern society, we also confront the ongoing challenges the LGBTQ+ community faces and why continued advocacy, allyship, and awareness are more important than ever. Join us as we honor the past, celebrate the present, and look toward a future where Pride is not just a moment, it's a movement.
If you want to learn more about sexual health, sexual dysfunction, or how to improve your sex life, follow me on Instagram at @thepgspot or check out my website at doctorpattyj.com for blogs and resources related to sex positivity and real talk about sexuality. As as always, stay curious, stay empowered, and stay you.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker (00:08):
Welcome to the PG spot, where our goal is to take the X
out of sex by breaking down thebarriers that prevent open
communication about sexualhealth.
I'm Dr.
Patty Jalomo a dual certifiednurse practitioner, pelvic floor
therapist, and certified sexualcounselor.
I'm here to provide expertinsights, debunk myths, and
empower you to embrace yoursexual wellbeing.
(00:29):
Whether you're looking foranswers or simply curious, join
us as we open up theconversation around sex,
intimacy and everything inbetween.
I want to take this opportunityto acknowledge that some
content may not be appropriatefor all listeners.
I'm a huge proponent of honestand accurate information
regarding sexuality.
But I'm also mindful that thisshould be age appropriate.
(00:50):
Therefore, if you are under 18,this may not be the podcast for
you.
Additionally, some of thelanguage used in this podcast
may be offensive to somelisteners.
Please take these things intoconsideration before going
forward with your consensualparticipation in this podcast.
The opinions expressed bymyself or my guests are just
(01:11):
that, and these opinions areneither expected or required to
be shared by all listeners.
The information that isprovided is for educational and
entertainment purposes only, andshould not be mistaken for
individual medical advice if youdo find the information that we
cover in the PG spot.
Helpful.
Interesting or informative.
Please rate and review thepodcast wherever you're
(01:33):
listening from.
If you think this informationis important, I would love for
you to share it with yourfriends or family.
This is a great way to get theinformation out to more people.
So thank you for listening andlet's get on with the show.
Patty (01:47):
Hey everyone.
Welcome to the show as I'mrecording this, I just came back
from the AASECT Conference inLas Vegas.
It was so amazing being just inan environment of like-minded
people and hearing about all ofthe latest research and
developments in sexual health.
Maybe even more exciting thanthat was just the overall
(02:08):
atmosphere of diversity andacceptance that was there.
AASECT holds their annualconference every June for a
reason.
As many of you know, June isthe time where communities come
together to celebrate PrideMonth as a time to honor the
L-G-B-T-Q community; itshistory, struggles and
contributions.
But beyond the rainbow flagsand parades lies a deeper story
(02:32):
of resistance, resilience, andongoing inequality that still
needs our attention.
Although I had another episodescheduled to be released, as
you're hearing this, I couldn'tlet June go by without
acknowledging these things.
So in today's episode, we'regoing to take a deeper look at
the history of pride.
The challenges that those folksin the lgbtq plus community
(02:55):
still face, and what we as asociety can do to foster
diversity, equity, and inclusionin our daily lives.
Regardless of your backgroundor beliefs, my hope is that this
episode invites curiosity,compassion, and a deeper
appreciation for the journey ofthe lgbtq plus community.
So let's get into it.
To understand the significanceof Pride Month, I want to begin
(03:19):
with a time when simply existingas a lgbtq plus was
criminalized in the mid 20thcentury, so roughly the 1940s
through the 1960s, lgbtq pluspeople in the US and many parts
of the world faced systemicdiscrimination.
They were barred from jobs.
They were arrested for publicdisplays of affection, and
(03:41):
oftentimes subjected toharassment by both civilians and
law enforcement Societalbeliefs were largely shaped by
stigma, fear, andmisunderstanding.
The American PsychiatricAssociation classified
homosexuality as a mentaldisorder in the first diagnostic
and statistical manual ofmental disorders, which is the
(04:01):
manual that uh, people in thepsychiatric and mental health
world used to classify disordersand LGBTQ plus people were
often subjected toinstitutionalization, conversion
therapy, electric shocktherapy, and other practices in
an attempt to quote, unquotecure them.
These folks were frequentlylabeled as threats to
(04:22):
traditional family values Andhomosexuality was widely viewed
as immoral, sinful, or deviantbased on conservative religious
teachings that still have majorinfluence from puritanical
beliefs.
There was a pervasive fear thatjust being around LGBTQ plus
people, especially in schools oryouth programs, might influence
others to become queer, andthis population was largely
(04:46):
invisible in mainstream mediaand culture unless they were
being portrayed in a negativelight.
Many were forced to live,doubled lives to avoid societal
and legal consequences.
It was during this time thatwhat became known as the
Lavender Scare resulted inthousands of federal employees
being fired or forced to resignbased on suspicions or
accusations of being gay orlesbian.
(05:08):
They were labeled as securityrisks because officials believed
that they were more vulnerableto blackmail by foreign powers.
Particularly communists.
In 1953, president Eisenhowersigned executive order ten four
fifty, which officially barredpeople with quote unquote,
sexual perversion from federalemployment.
(05:29):
Many of these people lost theircareers reputations and
livelihoods because of this,some were publicly outed and
humiliated.
And others died by suicideunder the weight of the fear and
shame that they felt.
The lavender scare contributedto really deepening social
stigma and made it extremelydangerous to be openly LGBTQ
plus in public life.
(05:50):
it also galvanized parts of thegay rights movement that would
later gain momentum in the 1960sand seventies.
So let's fast forward to thattime in history.
The modern LGBTQ plus rightsmovement gained international
attention following theStonewall Uprising in June of
1969.
This was widely considered tohave been a pivotal moment in
(06:12):
lgbtq plus history.
The Stonewall Inn, which waslocated in New York City's,
Greenwich Village, was one ofthe few spaces where lgbtq plus
people, especially drag queens,um, transgender women, or
homeless queer youth.
Where they could gather withsome sense of community, even
though it operated underconstant threat of police raids.
On the night of June 28th,1969, police once again raided
(06:37):
the bar, but that night thepatrons pushed back.
And what followed was six daysof protests and resistance that
reverberated across the city andeventually across the world.
The uprising wasn't led bymainstream figures, but it was
driven by the courage of thosemost marginalized, including
Marsha P Johnson, who is a blacktransgender woman, and Sylvia
(06:58):
Rivera, a Latinx trans activist.
Although Stonewall wasn't thefirst lgbtq plus protest, It was
the most visible and sustainedand became a turning point.
It inspired formation ofactivist groups like the Gay
Liberation Front and the GayActivist Alliance.
Then on June 28th, 1970, Whichwas the one year anniversary of
(07:19):
Stonewall.
thousands, marched from theStonewall into Central Park in
what was then called ChristopherStreet Liberation Day.
It was the first pride march,and it set the tone for what
would become a global traditionof protest and celebration.
Similar marches took place thatsame weekend in Chicago, San
Francisco, and LA.
These early pride events weredefiant, grassroots responses to
(07:42):
decades of oppression.
They weren't corporatesponsored or family friendly.
They were raw, political, andurgent.
Pride has since grown anddiversified, but at its core, it
remains a platform forvisibility, advocacy, and
remembrance.
Pride events are now held invirtually every major US city,
as well as smaller towns andrural areas.
It's estimated that nearly halfof all US Pride celebrations
(08:04):
take place in towns with fewerthan 50,000 residents.
But this certainly didn'thappen overnight.
Pride month today stands on theshoulders of decades of
activism and perseverance.
I want to briefly mention someof the major milestones in the
gay rights movements to get abetter understanding of just how
long it's taken to get where weare, and also to acknowledge
(08:25):
how much further we have to goin the quest of diversity,
equity, and inclusion.
So in 1950.
This is when the MattachineSociety was founded, and this
was one of the first gay rightsorganizations in the us.
Mattachine was derived fromFrench medieval masquerade
societies where men wore masksto criticize social injustices.
(08:48):
It symbolized the idea ofhidden identities and the
subversive challenge to dominantsocietal norms.
The Mattachine Society played acrucial role in laying
groundwork for the modernL-G-B-T-Q Rights movement, and
it demonstrated the power oforganized activism in
challenging systemic oppressionand also help pave the way for
(09:09):
later organizations like the GayLiberation Front and Act Up,
which took more confrontationaland visible approaches to
advocacy.
Then in 1955, the Daughters ofBilitis, was organized in San
Francisco, and it was the firstlesbian, civil and political
rights organization.
The name was unusual, butdeliberately obscure to protect
members' identities.
(09:29):
The DOB was created as a socialalternative to lesbian bars to
provide support, education, andcommunity for lesbians during a
time of intense stigma and legaldanger, and later to promote
lesbian visibility and advocatefor civil rights, health and
psychological wellbeing.
In 1970, the nationalorganization dissolved due to
(09:50):
internal tensions betweenmembers, though local chapters
and individuals.
Still remained active infeminist and gay liberation
movements.
The DOB was a pioneeringorganization that provided the
first structured support systemfor lesbians in America.
It helped to build lesbianidentity and community, and
later played a key role inconnecting lesbian issues with
(10:11):
second wave feminist figureslike Del Martin and Phyllis
Lyon, who went on to becomeinfluential feminist activists
and were the first same sexcouple to legally be married in
California in 2008.
Then in the 1980s, the HIV AIDScrisis devastated lgbtq plus
communities.
President Ronald Reagan'sresponse to the AIDS epidemic
(10:33):
had profound and lasting effectson the LGBTQ plus community,
particularly gay men who weredisproportionately affected by
the disease.
In the early years, hisadministration's handling, or
lack thereof, has been widelycriticized for its delay, lack
of urgency and moral undertonesthat mirrored broader societal
stigmas towards homosexuality atthe time.
(10:55):
For example, the first cases ofwhat would become known as AIDS
were reported in 1981, butReagan didn't publicly mention
AIDS until 19 85, 4 years intothe epidemic and after more than
5,000 people in the US had diedfrom the disease.
This silence contributed to theperception that the federal
government did not consider thedisease a priority, particularly
(11:17):
because it was initiallyassociated with gay men and
marginalized groups.
During the early years, theReagan administration allocated
very little federal funding forAIDS research and treatment,
despite clear indications frommedical experts that the disease
was spreading rapidly.
Activists and public healthofficials repeatedly called for
more resources, but theserequests were often ignored or
(11:40):
delayed.
The 1980s were marked by aconservative political shift,
And Reagan's close ties to thereligious right reinforced a
cultural stigma against LGBTQplus people.
Some members of the Reaganadministration made openly
homophobic remarks, and therewas a broader sense that AIDS
was seen as a punishment ormoral failing by some officials
and commentators, Which deeplyhurt the LGBTQ plus community.
(12:03):
The lack of government actionand public education helped fuel
misinformation, fear andstigma, worsening the suffering
of those affected by thedisease.
Many LGBTQ plus individualsface not only illness, but also
being ostracized socially.
And.
Getting a lack of adequatemedical care, the lgbtq plus
community was forced tomobilize.
(12:24):
In response, they created theirown networks of care advocacy
organizations like Act Up andGMHC, and we're pushing for
faster drug approval andcompassionate care.
Reagan's slow response is oftencited as a pivotal moment in
the LGBTQ plus history, both asa source of trauma and as a
catalyst for political andsocial activism, the community's
(12:46):
experience during the AIDScrisis helped fuel a broader
LGBTQ plus rights movement thatwould gain momentum in the
following decades.
Then in 2003, The US SupremeCourt overturned sodomy laws in
Lawrence v Texas effectivelydecriminalizing same sex
relationships.
The case of Rosen two men, JohnLawrence and Tyrone Garner were
(13:09):
arrested in Texas for engagingin conceptual sex in a private
residence, violating Texas'sodomy law In a six to three
ruling, the Supreme Court heldthat laws criminalizing private
consensual sexual conductbetween adults violated the due
process clause of the 14thAmendment written by Justice
(13:29):
Anthony Kennedy.
The opinion stated that adultshave the right to engage in
private sexual conduct withoutgovernment intervention.
The ruling in validated sodomylaws in 13 states effectively
making same sex, sexual activitylegal across the us.
In 2015, same-sex marriage waslegalized nationwide in Obergfel
(13:51):
versus Hodges.
This case involved plaintiffJames Obergfel, who sued
defendant Richard Hodges, who isthe director of the Ohio
Department of Health.
After Ohio refused to recognizehis marriage to his terminally
Ill partner John Arthur, whichhad been legally performed in
Maryland.
The case consolidated multiplelawsuits from same-sex couples
(14:13):
across four states, Ohio,Michigan, Kentucky, and
Tennessee.
The ruling determined that thedue process, clause and equal
protection clause of the 14thAmendment guaranteed the right
to marry as a fundamentalliberty, and that this right
applies equally to same-sexcouples.
Therefore, states must licenseand recognize same-sex
(14:33):
marriages.
The impact of Obergfel versusHodges was that same-sex
marriage was legalized in all 50states and required states to
recognize same-sex marriagesperformed in other
jurisdictions.
This marked a historic victoryfor the LGBTQ plus rights
movement in the US andstrengthened legal precedent for
equality and civil rights underthe Constitution.
(14:56):
Then in 2020, the court ruledin Bostock versus Clayton County
that LGBTQ plus employees areprotected from workplace
discrimination under federallaw.
The ruling made no new law, butinterpreted existing federal
law to cover lgbtq plusemployees.
This was a major victory forLGBTQ plus civil rights as it
(15:18):
extended nationwide workplaceprotections to millions of
workers and set precedentinfluencing other civil rights
protections in housing,education, and healthcare.
This progress, however, is notexperienced equally by all the
LGBTQ plus community is diverseand multifaceted.
And while pride often presentsa unified front, individuals
(15:40):
within the community experiencediscrimination differently based
on the intersections of theiridentities, such as race,
gender, socio socioeconomicstatus, disability and
immigration status.
So here are some statistics.
According to a 2023 Gallupreport, 7.2% of US adults
identify as LGBTQ plus, but thatnumber rises to over 20% among
(16:05):
Gen Z.
A 2022 Williams Institute studyfound that 29% of black LGBTQ
plus adults in the US live inpoverty compared to 16% of white
LGBTQ plus adults, and 12% ofthe general population and
transgender people of color,particularly black and Latinx
(16:25):
trans women facedisproportionately high rates of
violence, homelessness, and jobdiscrimination.
Understanding intersectionalityis essential to understanding
how overlapping forms ofdiscrimination affect people's
lives.
Identities such as these createunique experiences of
oppression or privilege, pride,month must be inclusive not only
(16:45):
in its celebration, but also inits activism to recognize that
not all LGBTQ plus individuals,face the same challenges or
barriers.
For example, a black transwoman may face racism,
transphobia, and sexismsimultaneously, or a disabled
gay man may experience bothableism and homophobia.
So to put it simply,intersectional activism connects
(17:08):
lgbtq plus rights with racialjustice, disability rights,
reproductive justice, andeconomic equity without
intersectionality, lgbtq plusactivism.
Risks erasing the mostmarginalized voices within the
community, repeating systems ofexclusion even within a movement
aimed at justice andoverlooking policies that
(17:28):
disproportionately harm LGBTQplus people of color, those with
disabilities, or those of alower socioeconomic status.
So we can see that in manyways, pride has become more
visible and accepted.
Rainbow logos and corporatesponsorships are now common
sites in June, but it'simportant to understand that
this increased visibility hasn'teliminated the challenges.
(17:51):
In the us, hundreds of antiLGBTQ plus bills have been
introduced in recent years.
Many targeting transgenderyouth and LGBTQ plus education
in schools as well as access togender affirming care hate
crimes based on sexualorientation and gender identity
are still a serious concern inmany countries.
LGBTQ plus people, especiallytrans individuals and people of
(18:15):
color, are at higher risk ofexperiencing physical violence
and harassment.
LGBTQ plus individuals, oftensee uneven protections regarding
adoption, marriage and parentalrights, and there could be a
lack of legal recognition fornon-binary and gender diverse
identities in over 60 countries.
Same-sex relationships remainedcriminalized, and in several,
(18:38):
they're punishable by death.
This is why pride is stillpolitical, and it's not only a
celebration of identity, it is aprotest, a memorial, and a
demand for change.
It honors those we've lostuplifts.
Those still fighting andenvisions a future where lgbtq
plus people everywhere can livesafely, openly, and with
dignity.
Here are a few meaningful wayswe can all support diversity,
(19:02):
equity, and inclusion duringPride month and throughout the
year.
One, listen and learn.
Engage with the LGBTQ plusvoices by reading books,
following activists andattending events with an open
mind and a willingness to grow.
Two, speak up challengehomophobia, transphobia, and
other forms of discriminationwherever they show up.
(19:23):
Whether in personalconversations or professional
settings.
Three support lgbtq plusorganizations donate to or
volunteer with organizationsdoing essential advocacy,
particularly those upliftingtrans people, youth and
communities of color.
Four.
Vote and Advocate, participatein elections, support inclusive
(19:43):
policies, and push forlegislation that protects and
advances LGBTQ plus rights.
And five, celebrate withintention.
Remember that pride began as aprotest.
Celebrate in ways that honorits history through visibility,
respect, and meaningful action.
In closing, let's remember thatpride month is more than a
celebration.
(20:04):
It's a living legacy ofresistance, resilience, and
hope.
It asks us to reflect on ourhistory, face the injustices of
today, and imagine a moreinclusive and equitable
tomorrow.
Whether you're part of thelgbtq plus community or a
committed ally, this month is acall to action, a chance to
renew our shared commitment tojustice, dignity, and equality
(20:27):
for all.
So thank you for listening andas always, be curious, be
empowered and be you.
Speaker (20:39):
That's it for today's episode.
Thanks for listening, and besure to rate and review the
podcast on whatever platformyou're listening from and share
it with your friends.
That's a great way to helpreach new listeners and make
this a more sex positive world.
Also, I'd love your feedbackand questions, so send me a
message.
It's at email@drpatj.com, andthat's doctor spelled out,
(21:01):
D-O-C-T-O-R-P-A, tt y j.com.
Until next time, stay curious,stay empowered, and stay you.
Welcome to the PG spot, where our goal is to take the X
out of sex by breaking down thebarriers that prevent open
communication about sexualhealth.
I'm Dr.
Patty Jalomo a dual certifiednurse practitioner, pelvic floor
therapist, and certified sexualcounselor.
I'm here to provide expertinsights, debunk myths, and
empower you to embrace yoursexual wellbeing.
(00:29):
Whether you're looking foranswers or simply curious, join
us as we open up theconversation around sex,
intimacy and everything inbetween.
I want to take this opportunityto acknowledge that some
content may not be appropriatefor all listeners.
I'm a huge proponent of honestand accurate information
regarding sexuality.
But I'm also mindful that thisshould be age appropriate.
(00:50):
Therefore, if you are under 18,this may not be the podcast for
you.
Additionally, some of thelanguage used in this podcast
may be offensive to somelisteners.
Please take these things intoconsideration before going
forward with your consensualparticipation in this podcast.
The opinions expressed bymyself or my guests are just
(01:11):
that, and these opinions areneither expected or required to
be shared by all listeners.
The information that isprovided is for educational and
entertainment purposes only, andshould not be mistaken for
individual medical advice if youdo find the information that we
cover in the PG spot.
Helpful.
Interesting or informative.
Please rate and review thepodcast wherever you're
(01:33):
listening from.
If you think this informationis important, I would love for
you to share it with yourfriends or family.
This is a great way to get theinformation out to more people.
So thank you for listening andlet's get on with the show.
Patty (01:47):
Hey everyone.
Welcome to the show as I'mrecording this, I just came back
from the AASECT Conference inLas Vegas.
It was so amazing being just inan environment of like-minded
people and hearing about all ofthe latest research and
developments in sexual health.
Maybe even more exciting thanthat was just the overall
(02:08):
atmosphere of diversity andacceptance that was there.
AASECT holds their annualconference every June for a
reason.
As many of you know, June isthe time where communities come
together to celebrate PrideMonth as a time to honor the
L-G-B-T-Q community; itshistory, struggles and
contributions.
But beyond the rainbow flagsand parades lies a deeper story
(02:32):
of resistance, resilience, andongoing inequality that still
needs our attention.
Although I had another episodescheduled to be released, as
you're hearing this, I couldn'tlet June go by without
acknowledging these things.
So in today's episode, we'regoing to take a deeper look at
the history of pride.
The challenges that those folksin the lgbtq plus community
(02:55):
still face, and what we as asociety can do to foster
diversity, equity, and inclusionin our daily lives.
Regardless of your backgroundor beliefs, my hope is that this
episode invites curiosity,compassion, and a deeper
appreciation for the journey ofthe lgbtq plus community.
So let's get into it.
To understand the significanceof Pride Month, I want to begin
(03:19):
with a time when simply existingas a lgbtq plus was
criminalized in the mid 20thcentury, so roughly the 1940s
through the 1960s, lgbtq pluspeople in the US and many parts
of the world faced systemicdiscrimination.
They were barred from jobs.
They were arrested for publicdisplays of affection, and
(03:41):
oftentimes subjected toharassment by both civilians and
law enforcement Societalbeliefs were largely shaped by
stigma, fear, andmisunderstanding.
The American PsychiatricAssociation classified
homosexuality as a mentaldisorder in the first diagnostic
and statistical manual ofmental disorders, which is the
(04:01):
manual that uh, people in thepsychiatric and mental health
world used to classify disordersand LGBTQ plus people were
often subjected toinstitutionalization, conversion
therapy, electric shocktherapy, and other practices in
an attempt to quote, unquotecure them.
These folks were frequentlylabeled as threats to
(04:22):
traditional family values Andhomosexuality was widely viewed
as immoral, sinful, or deviantbased on conservative religious
teachings that still have majorinfluence from puritanical
beliefs.
There was a pervasive fear thatjust being around LGBTQ plus
people, especially in schools oryouth programs, might influence
others to become queer, andthis population was largely
(04:46):
invisible in mainstream mediaand culture unless they were
being portrayed in a negativelight.
Many were forced to live,doubled lives to avoid societal
and legal consequences.
It was during this time thatwhat became known as the
Lavender Scare resulted inthousands of federal employees
being fired or forced to resignbased on suspicions or
accusations of being gay orlesbian.
(05:08):
They were labeled as securityrisks because officials believed
that they were more vulnerableto blackmail by foreign powers.
Particularly communists.
In 1953, president Eisenhowersigned executive order ten four
fifty, which officially barredpeople with quote unquote,
sexual perversion from federalemployment.
(05:29):
Many of these people lost theircareers reputations and
livelihoods because of this,some were publicly outed and
humiliated.
And others died by suicideunder the weight of the fear and
shame that they felt.
The lavender scare contributedto really deepening social
stigma and made it extremelydangerous to be openly LGBTQ
plus in public life.
(05:50):
it also galvanized parts of thegay rights movement that would
later gain momentum in the 1960sand seventies.
So let's fast forward to thattime in history.
The modern LGBTQ plus rightsmovement gained international
attention following theStonewall Uprising in June of
1969.
This was widely considered tohave been a pivotal moment in
(06:12):
lgbtq plus history.
The Stonewall Inn, which waslocated in New York City's,
Greenwich Village, was one ofthe few spaces where lgbtq plus
people, especially drag queens,um, transgender women, or
homeless queer youth.
Where they could gather withsome sense of community, even
though it operated underconstant threat of police raids.
On the night of June 28th,1969, police once again raided
(06:37):
the bar, but that night thepatrons pushed back.
And what followed was six daysof protests and resistance that
reverberated across the city andeventually across the world.
The uprising wasn't led bymainstream figures, but it was
driven by the courage of thosemost marginalized, including
Marsha P Johnson, who is a blacktransgender woman, and Sylvia
(06:58):
Rivera, a Latinx trans activist.
Although Stonewall wasn't thefirst lgbtq plus protest, It was
the most visible and sustainedand became a turning point.
It inspired formation ofactivist groups like the Gay
Liberation Front and the GayActivist Alliance.
Then on June 28th, 1970, Whichwas the one year anniversary of
(07:19):
Stonewall.
thousands, marched from theStonewall into Central Park in
what was then called ChristopherStreet Liberation Day.
It was the first pride march,and it set the tone for what
would become a global traditionof protest and celebration.
Similar marches took place thatsame weekend in Chicago, San
Francisco, and LA.
These early pride events weredefiant, grassroots responses to
(07:42):
decades of oppression.
They weren't corporatesponsored or family friendly.
They were raw, political, andurgent.
Pride has since grown anddiversified, but at its core, it
remains a platform forvisibility, advocacy, and
remembrance.
Pride events are now held invirtually every major US city,
as well as smaller towns andrural areas.
It's estimated that nearly halfof all US Pride celebrations
(08:04):
take place in towns with fewerthan 50,000 residents.
But this certainly didn'thappen overnight.
Pride month today stands on theshoulders of decades of
activism and perseverance.
I want to briefly mention someof the major milestones in the
gay rights movements to get abetter understanding of just how
long it's taken to get where weare, and also to acknowledge
(08:25):
how much further we have to goin the quest of diversity,
equity, and inclusion.
So in 1950.
This is when the MattachineSociety was founded, and this
was one of the first gay rightsorganizations in the us.
Mattachine was derived fromFrench medieval masquerade
societies where men wore masksto criticize social injustices.
(08:48):
It symbolized the idea ofhidden identities and the
subversive challenge to dominantsocietal norms.
The Mattachine Society played acrucial role in laying
groundwork for the modernL-G-B-T-Q Rights movement, and
it demonstrated the power oforganized activism in
challenging systemic oppressionand also help pave the way for
(09:09):
later organizations like the GayLiberation Front and Act Up,
which took more confrontationaland visible approaches to
advocacy.
Then in 1955, the Daughters ofBilitis, was organized in San
Francisco, and it was the firstlesbian, civil and political
rights organization.
The name was unusual, butdeliberately obscure to protect
members' identities.
(09:29):
The DOB was created as a socialalternative to lesbian bars to
provide support, education, andcommunity for lesbians during a
time of intense stigma and legaldanger, and later to promote
lesbian visibility and advocatefor civil rights, health and
psychological wellbeing.
In 1970, the nationalorganization dissolved due to
(09:50):
internal tensions betweenmembers, though local chapters
and individuals.
Still remained active infeminist and gay liberation
movements.
The DOB was a pioneeringorganization that provided the
first structured support systemfor lesbians in America.
It helped to build lesbianidentity and community, and
later played a key role inconnecting lesbian issues with
(10:11):
second wave feminist figureslike Del Martin and Phyllis
Lyon, who went on to becomeinfluential feminist activists
and were the first same sexcouple to legally be married in
California in 2008.
Then in the 1980s, the HIV AIDScrisis devastated lgbtq plus
communities.
President Ronald Reagan'sresponse to the AIDS epidemic
(10:33):
had profound and lasting effectson the LGBTQ plus community,
particularly gay men who weredisproportionately affected by
the disease.
In the early years, hisadministration's handling, or
lack thereof, has been widelycriticized for its delay, lack
of urgency and moral undertonesthat mirrored broader societal
stigmas towards homosexuality atthe time.
(10:55):
For example, the first cases ofwhat would become known as AIDS
were reported in 1981, butReagan didn't publicly mention
AIDS until 19 85, 4 years intothe epidemic and after more than
5,000 people in the US had diedfrom the disease.
This silence contributed to theperception that the federal
government did not consider thedisease a priority, particularly
(11:17):
because it was initiallyassociated with gay men and
marginalized groups.
During the early years, theReagan administration allocated
very little federal funding forAIDS research and treatment,
despite clear indications frommedical experts that the disease
was spreading rapidly.
Activists and public healthofficials repeatedly called for
more resources, but theserequests were often ignored or
(11:40):
delayed.
The 1980s were marked by aconservative political shift,
And Reagan's close ties to thereligious right reinforced a
cultural stigma against LGBTQplus people.
Some members of the Reaganadministration made openly
homophobic remarks, and therewas a broader sense that AIDS
was seen as a punishment ormoral failing by some officials
and commentators, Which deeplyhurt the LGBTQ plus community.
(12:03):
The lack of government actionand public education helped fuel
misinformation, fear andstigma, worsening the suffering
of those affected by thedisease.
Many LGBTQ plus individualsface not only illness, but also
being ostracized socially.
And.
Getting a lack of adequatemedical care, the lgbtq plus
community was forced tomobilize.
(12:24):
In response, they created theirown networks of care advocacy
organizations like Act Up andGMHC, and we're pushing for
faster drug approval andcompassionate care.
Reagan's slow response is oftencited as a pivotal moment in
the LGBTQ plus history, both asa source of trauma and as a
catalyst for political andsocial activism, the community's
(12:46):
experience during the AIDScrisis helped fuel a broader
LGBTQ plus rights movement thatwould gain momentum in the
following decades.
Then in 2003, The US SupremeCourt overturned sodomy laws in
Lawrence v Texas effectivelydecriminalizing same sex
relationships.
The case of Rosen two men, JohnLawrence and Tyrone Garner were
(13:09):
arrested in Texas for engagingin conceptual sex in a private
residence, violating Texas'sodomy law In a six to three
ruling, the Supreme Court heldthat laws criminalizing private
consensual sexual conductbetween adults violated the due
process clause of the 14thAmendment written by Justice
(13:29):
Anthony Kennedy.
The opinion stated that adultshave the right to engage in
private sexual conduct withoutgovernment intervention.
The ruling in validated sodomylaws in 13 states effectively
making same sex, sexual activitylegal across the us.
In 2015, same-sex marriage waslegalized nationwide in Obergfel
(13:51):
versus Hodges.
This case involved plaintiffJames Obergfel, who sued
defendant Richard Hodges, who isthe director of the Ohio
Department of Health.
After Ohio refused to recognizehis marriage to his terminally
Ill partner John Arthur, whichhad been legally performed in
Maryland.
The case consolidated multiplelawsuits from same-sex couples
(14:13):
across four states, Ohio,Michigan, Kentucky, and
Tennessee.
The ruling determined that thedue process, clause and equal
protection clause of the 14thAmendment guaranteed the right
to marry as a fundamentalliberty, and that this right
applies equally to same-sexcouples.
Therefore, states must licenseand recognize same-sex
(14:33):
marriages.
The impact of Obergfel versusHodges was that same-sex
marriage was legalized in all 50states and required states to
recognize same-sex marriagesperformed in other
jurisdictions.
This marked a historic victoryfor the LGBTQ plus rights
movement in the US andstrengthened legal precedent for
equality and civil rights underthe Constitution.
(14:56):
Then in 2020, the court ruledin Bostock versus Clayton County
that LGBTQ plus employees areprotected from workplace
discrimination under federallaw.
The ruling made no new law, butinterpreted existing federal
law to cover lgbtq plusemployees.
This was a major victory forLGBTQ plus civil rights as it
(15:18):
extended nationwide workplaceprotections to millions of
workers and set precedentinfluencing other civil rights
protections in housing,education, and healthcare.
This progress, however, is notexperienced equally by all the
LGBTQ plus community is diverseand multifaceted.
And while pride often presentsa unified front, individuals
(15:40):
within the community experiencediscrimination differently based
on the intersections of theiridentities, such as race,
gender, socio socioeconomicstatus, disability and
immigration status.
So here are some statistics.
According to a 2023 Gallupreport, 7.2% of US adults
identify as LGBTQ plus, but thatnumber rises to over 20% among
(16:05):
Gen Z.
A 2022 Williams Institute studyfound that 29% of black LGBTQ
plus adults in the US live inpoverty compared to 16% of white
LGBTQ plus adults, and 12% ofthe general population and
transgender people of color,particularly black and Latinx
(16:25):
trans women facedisproportionately high rates of
violence, homelessness, and jobdiscrimination.
Understanding intersectionalityis essential to understanding
how overlapping forms ofdiscrimination affect people's
lives.
Identities such as these createunique experiences of
oppression or privilege, pride,month must be inclusive not only
(16:45):
in its celebration, but also inits activism to recognize that
not all LGBTQ plus individuals,face the same challenges or
barriers.
For example, a black transwoman may face racism,
transphobia, and sexismsimultaneously, or a disabled
gay man may experience bothableism and homophobia.
So to put it simply,intersectional activism connects
(17:08):
lgbtq plus rights with racialjustice, disability rights,
reproductive justice, andeconomic equity without
intersectionality, lgbtq plusactivism.
Risks erasing the mostmarginalized voices within the
community, repeating systems ofexclusion even within a movement
aimed at justice andoverlooking policies that
(17:28):
disproportionately harm LGBTQplus people of color, those with
disabilities, or those of alower socioeconomic status.
So we can see that in manyways, pride has become more
visible and accepted.
Rainbow logos and corporatesponsorships are now common
sites in June, but it'simportant to understand that
this increased visibility hasn'teliminated the challenges.
(17:51):
In the us, hundreds of antiLGBTQ plus bills have been
introduced in recent years.
Many targeting transgenderyouth and LGBTQ plus education
in schools as well as access togender affirming care hate
crimes based on sexualorientation and gender identity
are still a serious concern inmany countries.
LGBTQ plus people, especiallytrans individuals and people of
(18:15):
color, are at higher risk ofexperiencing physical violence
and harassment.
LGBTQ plus individuals, oftensee uneven protections regarding
adoption, marriage and parentalrights, and there could be a
lack of legal recognition fornon-binary and gender diverse
identities in over 60 countries.
Same-sex relationships remainedcriminalized, and in several,
(18:38):
they're punishable by death.
This is why pride is stillpolitical, and it's not only a
celebration of identity, it is aprotest, a memorial, and a
demand for change.
It honors those we've lostuplifts.
Those still fighting andenvisions a future where lgbtq
plus people everywhere can livesafely, openly, and with
dignity.
Here are a few meaningful wayswe can all support diversity,
(19:02):
equity, and inclusion duringPride month and throughout the
year.
One, listen and learn.
Engage with the LGBTQ plusvoices by reading books,
following activists andattending events with an open
mind and a willingness to grow.
Two, speak up challengehomophobia, transphobia, and
other forms of discriminationwherever they show up.
(19:23):
Whether in personalconversations or professional
settings.
Three support lgbtq plusorganizations donate to or
volunteer with organizationsdoing essential advocacy,
particularly those upliftingtrans people, youth and
communities of color.
Four.
Vote and Advocate, participatein elections, support inclusive
(19:43):
policies, and push forlegislation that protects and
advances LGBTQ plus rights.
And five, celebrate withintention.
Remember that pride began as aprotest.
Celebrate in ways that honorits history through visibility,
respect, and meaningful action.
In closing, let's remember thatpride month is more than a
celebration.
(20:04):
It's a living legacy ofresistance, resilience, and
hope.
It asks us to reflect on ourhistory, face the injustices of
today, and imagine a moreinclusive and equitable
tomorrow.
Whether you're part of thelgbtq plus community or a
committed ally, this month is acall to action, a chance to
renew our shared commitment tojustice, dignity, and equality
(20:27):
for all.
So thank you for listening andas always, be curious, be
empowered and be you.
Speaker (20:39):
That's it for today's episode.
Thanks for listening, and besure to rate and review the
podcast on whatever platformyou're listening from and share
it with your friends.
That's a great way to helpreach new listeners and make
this a more sex positive world.
Also, I'd love your feedbackand questions, so send me a
message.
It's at email@drpatj.com, andthat's doctor spelled out,
(21:01):
D-O-C-T-O-R-P-A, tt y j.com.
Until next time, stay curious,stay empowered, and stay you.
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