As the calendar flips to June, many Americans brace themselves for the annual arrival of Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community. It is a month filled with parades, celebrations, and enough rainbow flags to make a unicorn blush. While this tradition has been embraced by many, it has also sparked some curiosity and, let’s say, a bit of bemusement among others. Why does this community get a whole month to celebrate what they do in their personal lives, while other groups seem to miss out? This the question that looms large as Pride Month kicks off once more.
It’s important to remember that Pride Month is meant to honor courage, justice, and love. These concepts are admirable, but there are those who wonder why there is a need for a dedicated month to celebrate private lives. After all, there are more than 340 million people living in the United States. Shouldn’t we have a month to openly celebrate something that pertains to everyone, like family values or veterans? While the LGBTQ+ community is undeniably vibrant and significant, one can’t help but feel that there might be a bit of a skewed balance in the celebration of these different communities.
In recent years, under the Biden administration, Pride Month has been marked by impressive displays — including flags adorning the White House and the illumination of the iconic structure in rainbow colors. Such acts of visibility are intended to promote inclusivity, but they have certainly raised eyebrows. The idea of showcasing personal pride on such a grand scale, especially by the highest office in the land, leads many to wonder if the celebration isn’t occasionally over the top. Is it really necessary for parades to feature floats that push the boundaries of appropriateness, especially in family-friendly environments? This has stirred the pot for many who question whether these events are still about pride or veering into spectacle.
Things appear to be shifting, however, with recent news that several sports teams have decided against mandatory Pride Month jerseys this year. This change seems to reflect a wider discontent across America regarding the commercialization and politicization of Pride. While the businesses associated with these events boast big numbers, the mass exodus of sponsors from various Pride events signals that the public might just be rethinking the celebration of pride in all its forms.
Just as quickly as pride became a point of celebration, it has also morphed into a billion-dollar business. The costs associated with sponsoring and participating in Pride events have become a source of contention. Not only are American businesses reevaluating their involvement, but legislative actions, like Montana’s new laws, highlight a pushback against the wave of Pride symbolism infiltrating schools and localities. Many believe these moves reflect a desire for common sense to prevail, opting instead to celebrate more traditional values without the associated frills.
As communities gear up for the festivities, a return to classic patriotism appears to be reclaiming its space in American culture. The stars and stripes are once again flying proudly in neighborhoods across the nation, reflecting a renewed pride in being American. The conversation may very well shift to how best to balance the celebration of diverse identities with an honoring of the shared values that unite us all. While the LGBTQ+ community deserves recognition and support, so too do those who stand firm in the belief that pride extends beyond any single group or celebration, encompassing the very essence of what it means to be an American.
