Pride for the Planet!

Happy Pride! This year celebrates the 51st anniversary of one of the most glittery + colorfully expressive month-long celebrations. It wasn’t until 1970 that the United States saw a shift in equal rights for our LGBTQ+ communities. The Stonewall Uprisings brought the movement to the forefront after police invaded a gay club in Greenwich Village resulting in mass protests. A name to commit to memory is Marsha P. Johnson, a Black trans woman + activist, most historically known for throwing the first brick that sparked the riots. We hail to and continue to celebrate the folks that have fought for lesbian, gay, bi-sexual, transgender, queer, and enby rights and freedom. It should be known that the first Pride to grace our planet was a protest. 

The LGBTQ+ community is intersectional. So as we celebrate the movement growing in voices, achievements, equality, gender fluidity, and sexual freedoms we also need to continue the fight to better our environment and respect the rights of all humans.

Both the LGBTQ+ and environmental movements are about people’s survival, well-being, and rights. In protecting both spaces we create safety for all. The way the state has tried to reduce folks' identity and gender is system-based violence seen similar to the clear cutting of our forests and the covert pollution of air and water. Queer and trans communities, especially our marginalized folks who have experienced harm at a higher rate, live on the forefront of climate change issues without adequate resources or medical care rights. This harm can not co-exist with the movement to create a nonviolent world for all. It begins with acceptance, advocacy, and action at all intersections for empowered individuals, communities, and families. 

Centering queer and trans voices, supporting environmental organizations that uplift communities, placing the pressure for change on inequitable corporations, and continuing to educate ourselves in the movement are tangible ways we can take action and protect queer and trans liberation. Our pride for the planet celebrates love in all forms past, present, and future!

With Love,
Rosie 
Rasa Yoga Sustainability Leader