Thread by @StregaRustica

June has come to be known colloquially as "LGBTQ Pride Month", which I suppose, many consider to be another step in the "right direction" toward acceptance of LGBTQ+ persons.

But as someone who's old enough to remember when the last weekend in June was a time of Queer Liberation Marches, I 'm saddened by the ways in which June has become another commercialised, corporately-sponsored "festival" that loses sight of the original objectives.

And I know, there are no shortage of drag queens who have politely turned down offers to appear on my podcasts and live shows, because they "refuse to discuss politics" (even aging drag queens, which is beyond reprehensible).

So I believe it's time they and the community that continues to embrace and support such dilution of the fight that began at Stonewall be called out.

The Gay Liberation Movement is a social and political movement, born of the late 1960s through the mid-1980s, that urged lesbians and gay men to engage in radical direct action, and to counter societal shame with pride, purpose and a fight for civil rights.

Throughout the month of June, I will share stories, thoughts and information that I think will help remind us of several important things...

First, at a time when our country is becoming as racially divided as it was in the 50s and 60s, the LGBTQ community should remember our civil rights were fought for, and the queer liberation movement itself was founded on the backs of Black and Brown lesbian and trans activists.

Second, that corporate sponsorship is only as valuable as companies back those sponsorships with real world reforms, initiatives and action.

And third, with the recent passing of one of the most remarkable photojournalists of the Queer Liberation Movement, Kay Lausen, this past week, it's important that the younger generation of LGBTQ activists acknowledge the pioneers...

...who are our Sacred Ancestors in the fight for freedom, equality and social justice. #LGBTQpride #QueerLiberation, #Stonewall, #QueerPride