As the month of June dawns upon us, vibrant rainbows adorn streets, storefronts, and social media profiles worldwide, heralding the arrival of Pride Month. This annual celebration is far more than a cascade of colours and parades; it is a poignant reminder of the struggles, achievements, and enduring spirit of the LGBTQ+ community. At Outlook, we are proud to present some stories on Pride Month, exploring the current significance, and the road ahead.

The History of Pride Month

Pride Month, celebrated every June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a watershed moment in LGBTQ+ history. The spontaneous demonstrations against a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City marked the dawn of a new era of activism and visibility for LGBTQ+ individuals. This important event sparked a global movement, leading to the establishment of Pride parades and events that champion the rights and recognition of LGBTQ+ people.

We at Outlook

We have extensively covered the issues related to LGBTQ+ in the past. Our coverage sheds a spotlight on contemporary issues faced by the LGBTQ+ community. From ongoing battles for legal rights and protections to the fight against discrimination and violence, we examine the critical challenges that persist. We feature voices from across the spectrum of the LGBTQ+ experience, including activists, artists, and everyday individuals whose stories reflect the diversity and resilience of this vibrant community.

In the September 26, 2022 issue, Rakhi Bose of Outlook writes, “According to the 2011 Census, there were about 4.80 million transgender persons in India—a number that has risen significantly over the past decade. They were first recognised as the third gender by the Election Commission of India, which allowed them to register as “other” on their voter ID cards.” This piece written by Rakhi explains how even after so many years of the NALSA judgment, people in the trans community are still facing discrimination.

In the same issue, Naseer Ganai, explaining the condition of Kashmiri transgenders, wrote “Trans people form a minority of just around 4,000 in Kashmir. Many of them are shunned by society, live in poverty, face abuse from even their families, and battle stereotypes..”

Moreover, we celebrate the cultural contributions of LGBTQ+ individuals, whose creativity and innovation have enriched every facet of society. From music and literature to film and fashion, LGBTQ+ artists continue to shape and redefine the cultural landscape.