June is Pride month to commemorate the Stonewall Riots which occured at the end of June 1969. For those of you who don't know, the Stonewall Riots were a protest in response to a police raid that occured in a pub in the Greenwich Village of Manhattan. THE LGBTQ+ community fought back when police became violent (funny that, police getting violent). That was back in the 60s and although the community have come a long way, they're still fighting for equality. So lets talk about Pride.
Pride is a huge celebration for the LGBTQ+ community but not only that it's a time for peaceful protests and raising awareness for policitical issues the community may face. Despite it being 2020 the community still face prejudice such as same sex marriage being illegal. It was only 13 January 2020 same sex marriage was made legal in Northern Ireland. It sounds unbelievable doesn't it?
Whilst I don't identify as LGBTQ+ (open minded definitely) but I consider myself an ally and awant to normalise that being gay isn't something to be ashamed of or keep hidden. I talk openly to the boys about how two men can love each other and how two women can love each other too and I'll continue to educate them as they grow on other issues that should be normalised such as trans people, people who are asexual and even intersex people. The more we talk about these things, the more normal they become.
We sexualise children from an early age and by that I mean, as soon as George started school people would ask him "ooh do you have a girlfriend?" and that is teaching him boys can only love girls. Whereas, I will always say to him "when you grow up and fall in love with someone" or I'll say "boyfriend or girlfriend" to let him know that whatever he chooses and whoever he falls in love with is okay because at the end of the day love is love. Language is so important. We had a conversation this week actually, about growing up and getting married, and he told me he wanted Auntie Gracie (my best mate) to be his wife, I said "what if I want her to be my wife?" and he said "but she's a girl!" I just explained to him two girls can be in love and two boys can be in love.
They're very accepting, kids, and he didn't question me further and this is how we should talk to our children. Be open with them when they ask questions or challenge you. Its how they learn. Hoimophobia is still so rife everywhere and it's because people are taught these things are dirty and they should be ashamed or it's bad to be gay. I never want my two to feel the need to "come out" if they are gay because it shouldn't be a struggle to be in love or accept who you are.
So in June we celebrate Pride (July in Liverpool). I usually go to Pride Festival in Liverpool and it is one of the best days of the year, everyone all dressed up in whatever they want and drinking and dancing in the streets. But I also use it to educate the boys on different types of love and acceptance. I want to include more diverse books and movies to them with same sex families as well so if anyone has any recommendations, please let me know in the comments below!
Rachael xo
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