Opposition to LGBTQ+ rights has been a focus for conservatives throughout recent American history. Anita Bryant's 1977 campaign against a Dade County, Florida, gay rights ordinance ignited national controversy. The Moral Majority, founded by Jerry Falwell Sr. in 1979, made opposition to gay rights a central tenet of its platform.
Organizations like Focus on the Family continued this trend into the 1980s and 1960s. The National Organization for Marriage, established in 2007, and Moms for Liberty, founded in 2021, have opposed LGBTQ+ rights and inclusion in various forms.
The Pride movement began at the Stonewall Inn uprising in 1969 followed by the San Francisco's Pride parade in 1972. By 1978 the rainbow flag became a symbol of the LGBTQ+ community. The AIDS crisis of the 1980s galvanized activism by highlighting discrimination faced by gay men.
Increased visibility in media and politics throughout the 1990s paved the way for significant advancements for the LGBTQ+ community. The 2000s marked a pivotal decade for LGBTQ+ rights, culminating with the legalization of same-sex marriage nationwide in 2015. That progress continues with growing representation and acceptance in contemporary society.
The abbreviated timelines show two divergent paths that have coexisted during my life as a gay man. Conservatives are relentless in re-messaging and re-setting the target on the most vulnerable in the queer community for political gain to shift society's views rightward.
The surge in conservative opposition to Pride events is not accidental. Historically, progress often sparked resistance. Emotions play a significant role on both sides of this issue. Pride is a positive emotion that uplifts individuals through feelings of accomplishment and self-worth. Conversely, shame is a negative emotion that can be detrimental, causing feelings of embarrassment and inadequacy.
Shame loses power
Shame is a pervasive emotion many queer individuals experience when navigating their sexual identity. In my teens and early twenties, I grappled with the fear of rejection and isolation that fueled self-doubt and hindered my sense of self. Shame was a common oppressor in the 1970s and 1980s.
As the Pride movement gained momentum throughout the 1990s, the grip of shame loosened. This period marked a pivotal shift in societal attitudes, as increasing visibility and acceptance of queer people changed supportive passive onlookers into active allies.
This acceptance grew, and backlash grew in those who clung to outdated prejudices. The message of equality resonated with the wider public. Confident LGBTQ+ individuals and their allies vigorously defended the rights and dignity of all. Shame was less powerful and in search of new messaging and targets.
The transgender community and drag performers became targets of shameful campaigns of misinformation and discrimination. Vilifying parents who bring their children to drag queen story hours and denying transgender individuals use of restrooms corresponding to their gender identity became the targets of shaming.
The LGBTQ+ community of 2024 is vastly different from that of 1974. Five decades of Pride have fostered resilience and a refusal to be defined by shame. Society's evolving attitudes affirming the rights and existence of LGBTQ+ individuals render shame impotent.
Pride gains power
Growing up in rural Ohio, the Stonewall uprising was unknown to me as a high school sophomore. It wasn't until 1972 when I was a college freshman that I learned of this catalyst for the Pride movement. The 1970s marked a period of community building within the LGBTQ+ community and the beginnings of Pride celebrations.
The 1980s and 1990s witnessed a surge in religious opposition to LGBTQ+ rights. In response to this, queer individuals mobilized creating safe spaces in their communities. Lutherans Concerned, one such space, fostered my pride as a Christian gay man. By the mid-to-late 1990s, these spaces had evolved into advocates for LGBTQ+ faith-based rights.
The turn of the millennium marked a period of increased acceptance and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals, thanks to three decades of Pride celebrations and growing LGBTQ+ advocacy organizations. This progress extended to mainline religious institutions. My faith, the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, fully affirmed LGBTQ+ individuals in 2009.
The above shifts in faith-based communities are compelling evidence of Pride's transformative power. Beyond religion, Pride's forward momentum ignited change in workplaces, governments, media, and everyday life. The spark ignited in 1969 fueled a flame that could not be extinguished.
Pride is now a global movement with June recognized as Pride Month. Parades have become increasingly elaborate with large diverse contingents of marchers. Businesses acknowledge the economic and workplace benefits of supporting Pride. People proudly march, display the Pride flag, and openly express their sexual orientation in their advocacy for equality for all.
Where we go from here
Emotions are strong when one’s being is questioned by others. Shame was once a formidable force that held me captive. Over time, it lost its grip. I live with pride recognizing that shame only has power when you give it power.
I often wonder if shame holds the same power over younger generations. I am confident that LGBTQ+ individuals will continue to harness negative experiences as catalysts for growth and resilience. Pride remains the enduring, positive emotion that nourishes our journeys.
To conquer shame is to embrace your own light. In that radiance, pride is not arrogance, but the celebration of a journey bravely walked. Unknown