Corporations that have previously donated money for Pride events to take place have now pulled back their almighty dollars thanks to the diversity, equity and inclusion stigma that is attached to companies that support DEI initiatives. There is no law that these companies can’t support our Pride events, they are just choosing to take away their support.
But Pride events have nothing to do with DEI, they have to do with our LGBTQ community coming together and celebrating our identity. Pride is about remembering and honoring the struggles that we as a community have endured. Think Stonewall, blacked-out windows, raids on gay bars, the list goes on.
Lately I have read remarks on Facebook by I am guessing straight people responding to posts on social media saying hateful remarks about our Pride events. They are so angry that we celebrate our Pride, and most of the comments ridiculously link us to who we are sleeping with. I knew people hated us; I just didn’t know how deeply that hate runs.
So, when people want to know why there is no straight pride, explain to them that they never once had to fight for their right to exist. They never had to worry when a new President is elected if their marriage will be overturned.
So, my solution is and has always been to support our queer and queer ally businesses. Our money is our power and where we spend OUR almighty dollars matters. We as a community must continue to support businesses that support us. Prime example, this magazine. Without advertisers, this magazine would not exist.
If you are not queer, there are ways to be a supportive ally. The best way is to vote with our rights in mind. It’s important to support and vote in political candidates who will advance our equality and initiatives, and seek to protect us against discrimination, rather than those who want to take away our rights.
If you’ve ever thought now is the time to be involved, it is. Don’t forget to vote in New Jersey in the primary, which is June 10. And don’t forget to be visible at your local Pride events in New Jersey. On our website there is a list of about 50 events that are happening throughout the Garden State.
And if you are really inclined to help, please go to the Victory Fund, and Garden State Equality listed below, and put your money where your mouth is.
Happy Pride.
