Happy Pride Month My Luvs! I decided that as an LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Questioning) Ally this is a perfect time and way to dive into the origins of Pride. I also want to share some of my favorite music from the LGBTQ+ Hip Hop community. The LGBTQ+ community has long been a marginalized group in society, facing discrimination and persecution. However, in recent years, there has been a growing movement of LGBTQ+ pride and acceptance, and hip hop has played a significant role in this movement.
Brief Pride history lesson first.. The Stonewall Uprising (a human rights atrocity) occurred June 28, 1969 in New York City’s Greenwich Village. The Stonewall Inn was a gay club & sort of safe place for a lot of LGBTQ+ community members. The New York City police raided the inn, sparking a riot involving hundreds of people. Leading to six days of protests and violence.
One year later on June 28, thousands of people marched from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what is now considered the United States’ first gay pride parade.
Since 1970, LGBTQ+ people and allies have continued to gather together in June to march with pride and demonstrate for equal rights. If you don’t personally identify as LBGTQ+ remember that Allies are important and welcomed supporters of the movement. We have strong voices that help strengthen the movement and fight against homophobia and transphobia.
Anyone, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, can support the LGBTQ community.
Hip hop, which has historically been associated with hyper-masculinity and homophobia, has seen a shift towards more inclusive and accepting themes. Artists such as Frank Ocean, Tyler the Creator, and Lil Nas X have openly identified as LGBTQ+ and have used their music to express their pride and share their experiences with the world. This has helped to break down barriers and promote acceptance within the hip hop community and beyond. LGBTQ+ pride and hip hop have become intertwined, with both movements empowering each other and working towards a more inclusive and accepting society.
Keep Scrolling for songs from some of my personal favorite LBGTQ+ artists below.
