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June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month. While I’m not a huge fan of crowds, parades, and being crammed into bars, Pride means so much more. It’s a time to remember those who made way for (more) equal rights and to celebrate that everyone regardless of who they choose to love should be respected and acknowledged. I feel we (as in residents of the United States) have made so much progress, but we’re not done yet.
I don’t give too much thought about being an openly gay man in my day-to-day life. My husband and I have been together for almost 24 years and have the same trials and tribulations of any other couple (from the mundane to memorable). But, our relationship and who we are does come into play when I plan travel. There are places that we will just not go. You might notice that I don’t fly any of the Middle Eastern carriers or that I do not spend time in Africa, some Asian countries, Russia, or some Caribbean islands. I will do all that I can not to give my hard-earned money to places where I am not seen as an equal. This is not to say that there are not people in these places that are lovely, but the draconian laws and possibility of an incident keep me away.
If you can’t relate, take a moment to imagine fearing that you could be jailed or even executed for loving someone. This comes into play with booking hotel rooms, describing your significant other as something else, and more. I have hope that someday this will be a non-issue globally, but even in the United States there have been concerning laws and incidents creeping in that look to strip rights from LGBTQIA+ individuals and couples. Please remember this month (and always) that #loveislove and who you choose to love does not make you any less than anyone else.
On a more positive note, it’s great to see so many airlines, airports, hotels, government agencies, and more are coming out to celebrate and not just with rainbows but to honor and empower their employees and customers. Here are some recent messages to kick off Pride:
🌈 Here’s to embracing love, celebrating diversity, and supporting our LGBTQ+ community of colleagues and guests.
Happy #Pride Month from Hyatt and HyPride, our colleague-networking group for LGBTQ+ members and allies. #BeMoreProud #WorldofHyatt #Pride2024 pic.twitter.com/R18KbHXvJI
— hyatt (@Hyatt) June 1, 2024
Happy #PrideMonth 🌈 pic.twitter.com/KxXyDLNYop
— Dublin Airport (@DublinAirport) June 1, 2024
Love All-Serve All #PrideMonth 🏳️🌈 pic.twitter.com/T7mMzDh6QC
— Seminole Hard Rock Hollywood (@HardRockHolly) June 1, 2024
The aviation industry thrives and maintains safety through the diversity of its participants, including the LGBTQIA+ community. #PrideMonth pic.twitter.com/eSd5xfO1e0
— The FAA ✈️ (@FAANews) June 1, 2024
Destination: Equality. Boarding now for #PrideMonth celebrations! 🌈✈️
Let’s soar together towards a future where everyone's wings can spread freely. pic.twitter.com/z0mofmq5QY
— Spirit Airlines (@SpiritAirlines) June 1, 2024
Anthony’s Take: Celebrate Pride Month by taking time to think about how far the LGBTQIA+ community has come and how much still needs to be done. Happy Travels and Happy Pride!
(Featured Image Credit: Alexander Grey.)
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3 comments
Well said.
Thanks, Happy Pride from Iowa’s first openly Gay elected official (1993, mayor of Melbourne)
Thanks for the post- happy Pride!