In 2015 the clouds made way for a rainbow of pride; but now, Congress is trying to bring back the storm of hatred.

For the first time in US history, a national state of emergency has been declared by the Human Rights Campaign in regards to the influx of extremist, anti-LGBTQ+ bills. Schools, healthcare, and self-expression are all at risk due to recent state legislation. Over one third of transgender and nonbinary youth live in states that have passed bans on gender affirming healthcare, according to the Human Rights Campaign. Shockingly, an audio of GOP lawmakers was leaked, revealing their end goal to ban all gender-affirming healthcare. It’s ridiculous that this country hasn’t learned from their restrictive history that nothing good comes from limiting healthcare. Similar to women’s reproductive rights, those seeking gender-affirming care will find other, unsafe ways to access it. 

This is especially disheartening considering how much progress has been made. “The 1960s and preceding decades were not welcoming times for LGBT Americans. For instance, solicitation of same-sex relations was illegal in New York City,” according to HISTORY. Such oppression led to LGBTQ+ rights movements such as the Stonewall Riots which “served as a catalyst for the gay rights movement in the United States and around the world” (HISTORY). It’s important to note that these riots took place back in the late 60s, although gay rights movements existed decades before this.

It’s this long, tireless history of seeking equality that makes the LGBTQ+ rights movement so powerful. It’s also what makes recent bills so shocking. It wasn’t until 2015 that gay marriage was nationally legalized by the Supreme Court, which is less than a decade ago. To be making such negative progress puts all LGBTQ+ rights at risk, because the government has proven they’re willing to cross the line when it comes to removing human rights.

All of this shows the strength of the LGBTQ+ community as they ready themselves for June’s Pride Month. Pride month was established by President Bill Clinton in 2000, in recognition of the Stonewall Riots and gay activism, though it was exclusive to gays and lesbians. President Barack Obama expanded the month to what it is today, making it all the more inclusive, which is arguably what the month is all about--inclusivity and pride.

Pride Month features pride parades all across the country, in which people show up decked out in rainbow colors, showcasing their love of the LGBTQ+ community. The beauty of pride is that it brings together members of the community and allies alike, as it’s a celebration of inclusivity at its core. Wisconsin is home to more than 17 pride events during the month of June. This year, even Oshkosh is holding its very own pride on the 29th, which is free to everyone.

Pride during the month of June is not exclusive to the parades, however, as stores also showcase their pride by changing their logos to rainbow colors and displaying pride merchandise. This, unfortunately, raises the question of whether it’s solely “rainbow capitalism”. This false display of allyship is extremely controversial. On the one hand, stores changing profile pictures and selling rainbow shirts is spreading the message of pride, but they’re also profiting off the LGBTQ+ community which provokes a moral quandary. 

Such controversy was especially apparent in 2023, when Target was facing backlash for some of their pride merch. Those with right-wing political affiliations were outraged at the fact that Target was displaying pride merch in the children’s section, claiming that they needed to “stay away from the children”. It’s ironic that such a narrative has been painted that the LGBTQ+ community needs to stop indoctrinating children, when children face indoctrination everyday. This is seen in schools, religion, beliefs one teaches their children, and more. Indoctrination isn’t some new, scary, concept brought on by the LGBTQ+ community, rather something that exists in day-to-day life without people realizing. As a result of such claims, Target moved much of their pride merchandise to the back of their stores, and even removed some items, claiming such items were “at the center of the most significant confrontational behavior.”

This also brings to light casual homophobia in today’s society. Even at West, remarks are made with anti-LGBQ+ undertones, and are then played off as jokes. Making comments such as “that’s so gay” are more harmful than most realize, as they promote the idea that being gay is something to be frowned upon. “Gay” is often used as a bad term among teenagers, and most staff say nothing about it. Being a member of LGBTQ+ community is not something to be ashamed of, and that’s why it’s so important that clubs such as the GSA remain in schools.

Though there is a shadow of doubt and uncertainty cast over pride month this year, it’s important to remember how far the LGBTQ+ community has come. Despite what has been thrown their way, the community continues to persevere and show up for one another, proving that unity is possibly amidst controversy. 

by Emma Toney

Published May 20 2024

Oshkosh West Index Volume 120 Issue VIII