Dear Ms Inclusive,
As you know, Pride Month is an annual celebration observed in many countries around the world to commemorate and recognize the LGBTQ+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, and others) community. It is a time for LGBTQ+ individuals to promote self-affirmation, equality, and visibility.
Pride Month can be traced back to the Stonewall Riots, which occurred in New York in June 1969. In that era, LGBTQ+ individuals faced widespread discrimination, harassment, and arrests due to their sexual orientation or gender identity. On the night of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village. However, instead of dispersing quietly, the patrons and neighborhood residents fought back, sparking several days of protests, demonstrations, and clashes with law enforcement.
The Stonewall Riots marked an important turning point in the LGBTQ+ rights movement, as it galvanized the community to fight against systemic oppression and discrimination. Subsequently, LGBTQ+ activists held events and marches to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. Over time, Pride celebrations expanded to other cities and countries, becoming a global movement it is today.
The month of June was chosen as Pride Month to honour the Stonewall Riots and commemorate the struggles and achievements of the LGBTQ+ community. Since then, Pride Month has grown to include parades, parties, rallies, film festivals, and other activities. It serves as a platform to celebrate diversity, promote inclusivity, and advocate for equal rights for all, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity. It is an important annual celebration that promotes unity, solidarity, and a sense of pride within the LGBTQ+ community.
The rainbow flag, also known as the Pride flag, was first created in 1978 by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in response to a need for a symbol that could represent the LGBTQ+ community. The original flag consisted of eight stripes, each with a specific meaning: pink for sexuality, red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, turquoise for art, indigo for harmony, and violet for spirit. The flag was first showcased during the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade in 1978.
Over time, the flag design was modified, and the number of stripes was reduced to the current design which features six horizontal stripes of red, orange, yellow, green, blue, and violet. Each colour carries its own symbolism: red for life, orange for healing, yellow for sunlight, green for nature, blue for serenity, and violet for spirit.
The rainbow flag was adopted as a unifying symbol of the LGBTQ+ community worldwide.
At ABARA, we uphold the values of Pride and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community with our special edition of our top-selling Bow Accordion Mini bag. The accordion gusset of the sides has been updated with rainbow shades of calfskin, and the versatile straps, which allow you to style it any which way you are so inclined, are the very soul of inclusivity! So why don’t you show your Pride by wearing this mini bag, on your waist, shoulder, elbow or wrist?
