This article was published on June 6th, 2020

For members of the LGBTQ+ community, all of our fates are tied to marginalized people, and presently the #BlackLivesMatter movement needs help from all oppressed groups to work towards the common goal of equality. 

We are all accountable, we are all interconnected.

Pride Month is known primarily as a celebration these days, but it started as a riot that brought attention to the struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. This revolution began in earnest with queer people of color, and as America – and now the world – rages on in protest in support of #BlackLivesMatter, George Floyd, and countless other people of color that have been killed through police violence, it is time for all people living under the LGBTQ+ umbrella to take action to ensure the rights of their minority brothers and sisters. 

In order for there to be a true acknowledgement of Pride month and its march towards equality, it should be intersectional and give the proper respect to the original protestors that have fought diligently for the extensive progress that has occurred over the past half century. No matter how you identify under the LGTBQ+ flag, we are all linked and should be united towards a common goal. 

On June 28^th, 1969, the LGBTQ+ movement rose to a new level of prominence when the gay community rose up and rioted against a police raid that brought worldwide attention to their rights as a marginalized section of society. The Stonewall Riots are recognized as the pivotal moment that sparked the gay liberation movement and transformed the modern fight for LGBT rights in the United States and internationally.

This initial rejection and united front against police brutality demonstrated what resonates still today: we should all stand as one to fight against injustice wherever we see it. The liberties that the queer community enjoys today and over the past 50 years is in large part because of those sacrifices and LGBTQ+ members have the power to make a difference in the #BlackLivesMatter movement by using their voice as a catalyst for change. 

The racial divide under the LGBTQ+ umbrella has always been an issue, with accusations that white members have historically not spoken up enough for others in the community. In essence, there has sometimes been too much attention on #AllLivesMatter at the exclusion of #BlackLivesMatter. This marginalization is all the more troubling because – while significant strides have been made within this section of society – white men and women have benefitted more from these than any other section of the community.

With protests worldwide recognizing the #BlackLivesMatter movement, the mission is for LGBTQ+ members to once again unite and show empathy towards the other colors represented under the rainbow flag. We make up all races and religions and by standing together to show our identity and value, we can be vocal against harassment, discrimination, and violence. 

Black people in America and all over the world have been systematically oppressed and the LGBTQ+ community should stand with them and affirm the #BlackLivesMatter movement. The two groups are both proponents of justice and parity, and the first line of support for queer people is to listen and figure out how to support in whatever ways they can. 

The LGBTQ+ community should acknowledge that further progress is tantamount to showing support of this movement, to be curious, open, and willing to learn what is necessary to elevate the rights of all its members. At the end of the day, our values, politics, and core principles are bound together. We should therefore pledge our commitment to creating more equitable spaces that uplift and respect the black experience.