FEATURED POST

"As part of pride we are celebrating the journey of the race pride movement dating back to the 60s/70s to today. Despite there still being much needed work to be done, black pride has shown a great amount of progress. From being a male centric movement where black women were excluded, facing both racial and sexual inequality. black pride has built a stronger and more equal community now more than ever. Marsha P. Johnson who was a gay African-American man activist who stood up to the violence against the LGBTQ+ community and was a leading pioneer in the stonewall riots has had a great impact on where pride is today. The movement drastically changed the perspective of racial identity constructions within the pride movements, as they largely consisted of white males, and were very much segregated in terms of race and gender. The black pride movement was created for sexual and minority individuals to explore their own understanding of activism without discrimination. Exploring their sense of self away from societal expectations to conform to a heterosexual presentation was the goal. The notion of identity is a complexed concept broken down into key elements that make up one’s identity in order to manage their lives throughout society. And not having freedom from an identity that has caged them has only suppressed and created mental distress within the black LGBTQ+ community where they have been affected socially, financially and physically.

 

 

The traditional masculine ideology only adheres to the heterosexual individual and restricts the LGBTQ+ community’s identity as they feel subjected to be either or, however they are more comfortable flowing in between both femininity and masculinity. With many left feeling unreachable and emotionless, having community connection leads to more comfortability with one’s identity. As familiarity with ones experiences and adversities can be quite comforting and warming as they are able to relate to one another, which can also increase resilience in a heteronormative society. This has led to a boost in the community’s confidence as they are embracing their sexual identity and living authentically. From a community that felt weak and misunderstood to feeling strong and powerful. MTV staying alive foundation is celebrating the growth of integration and community that pride is today, With thousands of people from all different races and genders coming together. It has marked a tremendous growth in inclusion, understanding, strength and power."