El June 28 has been chosen as Gay Pride Day, although it is usual that if this day falls in the middle of the week, the events that are usually organized are left for the weekend before or after the date. Today, because it is Thursday, we may not see demonstrations in big cities, but it is certainly still a day to celebrate, in which the LGTBI collective (Lesbian, Gay, Transsexual, Bisexual and Intersex) celebrates the importance of being free.
For many of us this day may not mean something in principle, but the truth is that everyone should celebrate Gay Pride Day for the simple fact that it is fight for rights of people, for their freedom of expression and their freedom to choose.
How June 28 was chosen
Sometimes we think that dates like these are chosen at random, but the truth is that dates of historical events related to the subject in question are usually chosen so that they have an important meaning. Dates that have marked a before and after. In this case, June 28 was chosen in commemoration of June 28, 1969, when a raid was carried out on the New York's Stonewall pub, a place that was located in Greenwich Village. Apparently raids in the 60s against bars where homosexuals met were common, but something made the difference that day, and that is that those who were there stood up to the police to fight for their rights. The riots in the area lasted several days, but the thing did not stop there. The following year the first Gay Pride marches began in cities like New York or Los Angeles, something that later spread to cities around the world.
This beginning of rebellion against the oppressors of the American system in the sixties was what marked a milestone in the struggle of the LGTBI collective that continues to this day. A few years ago, President Obama declared the Stonewall Inn a national monument due to this event and the historical events that followed.
Cities with great celebrations
Although this international festival can be celebrated on a small scale and everyone celebrates it in their own way, the truth is that it is in large cities where there will be many more events and mass demonstrations. In Madrid the Gay Pride 2018 and Pride Barcelona 2018 It will also be packed with things to do.
In Barcelona the events begin on Thursday with the reading of the proclamation by La Terremoto de Alcorcón and Sharonne. In Madrid the celebrations start today and won't end until July 8. In both cases it is better to get the full program, since there are different workshops, activities or shows in different squares or areas of the city, so it is difficult to follow everything. It is easy to find online some of the itineraries with maps and schedules to find out about all the artists who play and the things that can be done these days.
Play your part
Although you cannot go to any of the demonstrations or activities planned for these days around Gay Pride, you can always support this group with your grain of sand. Many people have participated in social networks with flags and phrases, following this movement and supporting those who celebrate it. Because we must not forget that it is about celebrating, once again, the importance of freedom in a society that must be changed for the better.