Homogenized. A familiar word that is well associated with mass-produced milk. To homogenize is to make something similar or uniform.
For milk, it is a process to emulsify and make the fat droplets a uniform size, so the cream does not separate. This way, the milk will remain the same through and through. A human devised process of force and power to make things all the same and tear down things that are different. A process to eliminate diversity and with it, equity and inclusion.
Pride month is approaching, a month-long celebration of the lesbian, gay, bi, trans, queer, plus (LGBTQ+) community. There will be festivals, parades, gatherings, activism and celebrations throughout June.
Where did Pride come from? On June 28, 1969, police commenced a raid on the patrons of the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, a neighborhood in Lower Manhattan, New York City. Riots followed in response to the discrimination and violence.
The resistance was led by Marsha P. Johnson, a prominent transgender woman in the community. The uprising lasted six days. A movement of resistance to discrimination and violence was underway.
A year later, on June 28, 1970, the first Christopher Street Liberation Day March was held in New York City, coinciding with the first anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. This march was the first Pride. A resistance to the force and power trying to break the LGBTQ+ community down.
In 2016, the Stonewall National Monument was established, right in front of and in the surrounding area of the Stonewall Inn. The monument was established to recognize the uprising and the progress made for LGBTQ+ rights. It is a serene place in the middle of a bustling metropolis and a contrast to what it must have been like during the six-day resistance.
Earlier this year, the words “transgender” and “queer” were erased from the Stonewall National Monument website. Only LGB remains on the website. Where did the T and Q go? Are they being homogenized into the LGB? Is it a way to split the community? Is it recognition that trans women are women? But what about the Q? It is clear what is happening.
It is concerning and scary, especially given the role Marsha P. Johnson played in the uprising that gave us Pride.
There have been so many actions recently that directly affect the lives of LGBTQ+ folks at the local, state, national and global levels.
It is uncomfortable thinking about what is happening and might happen to education, healthcare, marriages, employment, housing, psychological support, sports, restroom access and on and on. The effects of the actions will spill over to other communities near and far from the LGBTQ+ community.
Today, some LGBTQ+ folks either have left, are planning to leave or are arranging escape plans to leave, where they can live and seek a sense of safety elsewhere. Some are also hiding in place, trying to be invisible, thereby denying society of their true selves and muting their contributions. Our society cannot bear this loss of diversity.
Progress is never linear. Setbacks happen, and only power and perseverance will prevail. The LGBTQ+ community is not new; arguments can be made that the community has existed for the entirety of human history.
The community is a part of the greater whole of society, one piece of diversity of infinite pieces of diversity. And diversity is not exclusive, it is inclusive.
What is happening today feels like the avant-garde works of Lou Reed. Pieces of his work start delicate and tender, reflecting serenity and good times.
Then everything devolves into a cacophony of chaos and noise, only to return to serenity. It would seem we are somewhere in the chaos right now. The hope is that things will get better.
Support each other within and across all diversity. Know that the Pride celebrations, parades and events are open for all, not only the LGBTQ+ community. Diversity, equity and inclusion are words to be spoken and actions to be taken.
The human devised a powerful process of homogenization that is good for milk and not good for society. It takes peaceful power and force to resist. We are not milk. Happy Pride!