#LGBTQActivism

[harvardfineartslib]

In honor of LGBTQ History Month!

Daniel Nicoletta (born 1954) has been the leading chronicler of the LGBT civil rights movement in San Francisco over the last 40 years. “LGBT San Francisco: the Daniel Nicoletta Photographs” chronicles LGBT civil rights movement and images of Harvey Milk, one of the world’s first openly gay elected officials, who was assassinated by a homophobic colleague in 1978.

In the second photograph, a group of LGBTQ activists gather around the car, “Heels on Wheels” in 1990. One of them holding a poster that reads “June 27, 1969” which references the Stonewall Uprising in New York City.

LGBTQ history has much to celebrate, at the same time we shall not forget those who have paved the way. 

Image 1: Book cover

Image 2: “Heels on Wheels” contingent, June, 1990

Image 3: First version of the Rainbow Flag, 1978

Image 4: Self-portrait in Ashbury Street darkroom, 1977

LGBT San Francisco : the Daniel Nicoletta photographs Attribution Photographs, Daniel Nicoletta ; foreword, Gus Van Sant ; introduction, Chuck Mobley ; editor, Tony Nourmand ; art direction, Joakim Olsson. Author / Creator Nicoletta, Daniel, 1954- [photographer]  London, UK : Reel Art Press, 2017. 304 pages : chiefly illustrations (some color) ; 31 cm English 2017 HOLLIS number: 990150582040203941

[noisycowboyglitter]

The Clinton Gore Era: A Turning Point for Retro Gay Rights

The Clinton-Gore era of the 1990s is often remembered for its cultural shifts, including increased visibility and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community. The retro gay aesthetic from this time reflects a unique blend of political progress and vibrant self-expression. During

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this period, the iconic duo of President Bill Clinton and Vice President Al Gore became symbols of a changing political landscape, advocating for policies that began to address LGBTQ+ rights.

Fashion from the Clinton-Gore era embraced bold colors, playful patterns, and a mix of styles that celebrated individuality. This retro gay style often features elements like oversized jackets, flannel shirts, and expressive accessories, resonating with the freedom of expression that marked the decade.

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Events like Pride parades gained momentum, showcasing the community's resilience and creativity. The music, art, and activism of the time laid the groundwork for future advancements in LGBTQ+ rights. Today, the Clinton-Gore era serves as a nostalgic reminder of the progress made and the vibrant culture that continues to thrive, inspiring new generations to embrace their identities with pride and confidence.

Pride LGBTQ political movements have played a pivotal role in advocating for the rights and recognition of the LGBTQ+ community. Emerging from grassroots activism, these movements aim to challenge discrimination, promote equality, and foster inclusivity within society. Events like Pride parades and rallies are not just celebrations of identity; they are powerful platforms for political expression, raising awareness about issues such as marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and healthcare access.

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Political engagement within the LGBTQ+ community has led to significant advancements, including the legalization of same-sex marriage and the repeal of discriminatory policies. Advocacy organizations work tirelessly to influence legislation and hold politicians accountable, ensuring that LGBTQ+ voices are heard in the political arena.

As Pride events continue to grow in visibility and impact, they serve as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for justice and equity. By uniting in celebration and activism, the LGBTQ+ community strives to create a more inclusive future for all.

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[tmarshconnors]

The LGBTQ2+ movement…

The LGBTQ2+ movement has undeniably become a powerful force in contemporary culture, pushing for expanded rights, visibility, and acceptance. However, as a staunch supporter of conservative ideals, I can’t help but notice a growing divide within this movement that threatens to undermine the very principles that the original LGBT community stood for. What started as a fight for equality, personal freedom, and dignity has, in many ways, evolved into something far more complex—something that seems to be at odds with the original spirit of the movement. I mean seriously what is LGBTQ2+?!?! It’s apparently an abbreviation that includes: lesbian, gay, bisexual, transsexual, transgender, two-spirited, intersex, quest, questioning and asexual. A genuine mouthful.

The Evolution of LGBT: A Movement Rooted in Personal Freedom

The early LGBT movement was centred around the principles of individual freedom, dignity, and the right to live without persecution. Gays and lesbians sought the same civil rights as everyone else—rights to marry, adopt, and live their lives free of discrimination. Trans individuals, though often marginalised, sought recognition and the right to live as their authentic selves. The goal was simple: equality under the law and respect for personal choices.

At its core, the LGBT movement was about personal freedom—the idea that individuals should be able to define themselves and their lives without fear of repression. This resonated with many, even those who held conservative views. After all, isn’t personal responsibility and freedom something conservatives also value deeply? The focus on equality and the right to pursue happiness aligned, in many ways, with the broader American ethos of individual liberty.

The LGBTQ2+ Movement: A Shift in Focus

However, the modern LGBTQ2+ movement has shifted its focus dramatically. What was once about individual rights and personal freedom has morphed into something broader, more ideological, and often more divisive. This expansion has introduced new complexities, and some argue, contradictions, that threaten to undo the progress made by the original LGBT movement.

One of the key concerns is that the LGBTQ2+ movement now seems to focus on identity politics and groupthink, rather than the core principles of personal freedom. Instead of fighting for the rights of individuals to make their own choices, the movement has become heavily politicised, with some factions pushing for societal conformity to their worldview. This shift from personal liberty to collective ideology is problematic for many reasons. It has really been warped by the radial left.

The Internal Conflict: Radicalism vs. Moderation

The rapid expansion of LGBTQ2+ identities has led to growing internal conflicts within the movement. For example, there is a divide between those who advocate for more radical changes in society—such as redefining gender entirely—and those who simply want equal treatment under the law. This has created tension between moderates who align with the original ideals of the LGBT movement and those who push for more extreme social changes.

Radical activism, while it garners attention, often alienates the very people it seeks to convert. Pushing ideas that challenge long-held beliefs about gender, biology, and social norms can feel coercive rather than liberating. Moreover, this radicalism creates fractures within the LGBTQ2+ community itself, as not all members agree with the direction the movement is taking. Gay, lesbian, and bisexual individuals, for instance, may feel their identities are being overshadowed by an overwhelming focus on gender ideology, which can dilute the original goals of the movement.

Alienating Allies and Fuelling Backlash

The broader LGBTQ2+ agenda has also alienated potential allies. Many who once supported the movement for its focus on equality and freedom are now questioning the direction it has taken. The push for societal conformity to ever-evolving concepts of identity and language can feel authoritarian.

The insistence on compliance with new norms—such as the use of certain pronouns or the acceptance of specific gender theories—can be seen as infringing on personal beliefs and free speech. This authoritarian bent, even if well-intentioned, often drives away those who value freedom of thought and expression.

Furthermore, this shift is fuelling a backlash that could potentially undo years of progress. When movements push too far, too fast, they risk sparking resistance from the very people they need to convince. Conservatives who might have been willing to support basic LGBT rights are now being driven into opposition by what they perceive as overreach. Even within more progressive circles, there is a growing discomfort with the direction the LGBTQ2+ movement is taking.

The LGBTQ2+ movement is at a crossroads. It can continue down its current path, pushing for ever more radical changes, but at the risk of alienating both its internal members and external allies. Or, it can refocus on the original ideals that once made it a powerful force for good: personal freedom, dignity, and equality under the law.

As a conservative, I believe in the importance of individual responsibility and freedom. While I may not agree the original LGBT movement stood for, I can respect its focus on equality and the right to live without persecution. However, the current direction of the LGBTQ2+ movement raises serious concerns—not just for conservatives, but for anyone who values the principles of liberty and personal freedom.

If the LGBTQ2+ movement is to remain relevant and successful, it must reconsider its approach. It must find a way to balance the needs of its most radical members with the broader principles that once united it. Otherwise, it risks undermining its own achievements and destroying the ideals that made it a force for change in the first place.

[koripride]

Excited for the start of Taipei LGBT Pride, the biggest gay Pride event in Asia! 🌈🎉 Join me in celebrating diversity and love in Taipei from October 21st to 29th. #TaipeiPride #LGBTQActivism

[itgetsbetterproject]

🚨 A NEW YOUTH VOICE ZINE is here with some reflections on Pride!

Our role at the It Gets Better Project is to amplify the voices of LGBTQ+ youth and encourage them to speak their minds. This is a youth-led, written, and produced project that pays tribute to the purpose of Pride Month and its history. Shoutout to our Youth Voices for putting your energy and your passion into this zine. 💜

Their statement on the theme: "Pride was a riot, pride is a protest, pride will always be a resistance. We translate historical resistance into personal resistance, self-love, community resistance and community love." 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍⚧️

Read and share it on itgetsbetter.org.

[lgbtgayp]

It is just so wonderful to be OUT in the world with you. I really hope some great people get to go OUTbound with us! Repost: @outbound.eric #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #lgbtqia #queer #loveislove #lovewins #pridemonth #nonbinarypride #nonbinary #enby #enbypride #gaypride #gay #lgbtqactivism #pride2021 #theoasisproject #loveislove🌈 #lovewins🌈 #pride🌈 https://www.instagram.com/p/CRJX_VylQju/?utm_medium=tumblr

[thegenesischronicles]

Whitney dreams of change and seeks every avenue possible to help elevate the human condition for all people. Find out where she stands in book two of The Genesis Chronicles, Whitney's Autumn available 10-26-2021.

Pre-sale begins 10-10-2021 on Amazon.

[yuval-david]

The timely publishing of my article in Out Magazine on Christmas Eve. Check it out! 🎄 LGBTQ+ Catholics Share Stories From Inside The Church In New Film. The director of Wonderfully Made - LGBTQ+R(eligion) explains why his upcoming film is sparking a nerve before its release.  🏳️‍🌈 Link is in Instagram Stories. ➡️➡️Or, go to: http://bit.ly/OutMagazineYuvalDavidLGBTQReligion Follow the film on Instagram at: @wonderfullymademovie @lgbtqreligion . . . . . . . . . @outmagazine #yuvaldavid #LGBTQ #LGBTQReligion #LGBTQPlusReligion #LGBTQCatholics #LGBTQReligious #ReligiousLGBTQ #CatholicChurch #Religion #LGBTQEquality #LGBTQAdvocacy #LGBTQActivism #WonderfullyMade #WonderfullyMadeMovie #WonderfullyMadeFilm @jamesmartinsj @duddyburke @dignityusa @fortunatefamilies @newwaysministry @americamedia @thecannonmediagroup @kathleen.m.tighe @lindsayadler_photo @xorjeo @xorjeo11 @jasonsteidl @cathyrenna @nimperat @natalia_imperatori (at Vatican City) https://www.instagram.com/p/CJMqdd-sXoM/?igshid=42s9e54d50r6

[bgsqd]

Tonight! The Bureau of General Services—Queer Division @bgsqd and The LGBT Community Center @lgbtcenternyc host a virtual book launch for United Queerdom: From the Legends of the Gay Liberation Front to the Queers of Tomorrow on Thursday, June 25th, at 6 PM NYC time. Join us for a special event celebrating the radical roots of Pride and our ongoing journey for ‘Absolute Freedom for All’ an evening of discussion, readings, agitations, and celebrations on the current and future movements for queer liberation. Dan Glass will be joined by Stuart Feather, Sapphire McIntosh, Sarah Schulman, and Jason Lamar Walker. This event is free, but we encourage attendees to make donations that we will collect on behalf of Black Lives Matter. #unitedqueerdom @zedbooks #danglass #queeractivism #stuartfeather #SunithaDwarakanath @schulmanny @jay_fiasco #gayliberationfront #queerfutures #blacklivesmatter #blackqueerlivesmatter #lgbtqactivism #lgbtq🌈 #lgbtqpride #lgbtqcommunity (at New York, New York) https://www.instagram.com/p/CB3TYKclAM_/?igshid=i3b8a17ahfck

[queertexstyles]

“I try to wear something with the rainbow at almost all queer events I attend in an attempt to identify as belonging to the community. The reason to do so is that I am usually perceived as the straight girl who is an ally”.

Location: Sofia, Bulgaria

Lilly is a prominent LGBTI+ activist in Bulgaria!

[theavengingmusicjournalist]

The 2016 GSA Forum Brings Education, Comfort, Awareness, and Togetherness at Perth Amboy High School

By Lana Leonard

Taking a break from protesting, I went to a different kind of unity gathering this past weekend. This Sat. Nov. 19 Perth Amboy High School held the thirteenth annual NJ GSA Forum hosted by HiTOPS and GLSENS Central New Jersey. The biggest forum yet, with over 500 student, educator, volunteer, activist, and parent participants, this year’s event was all about standing up, as the forum was titled, “Rise Up! ¡Levantense!” with keynote speaker, Sonia Guiñansaca. This will be the fifth NJ GSA Forum I have attended and I want to share with you some special moments. 

Let’s talk about religion. In session two, a workshop was held where a panel of spiritual LGBTQ representatives and allies opened up about their spirituality and religion and students opened up about their religion and spirituality in return. The panel, comprised of John Marron, board member of GLSEN Central NJ, Michelle McKenzie Creech, Tina Mummela, an ally from Finland, Tedford J. Taylor, Louise Walpin, Marsha Shapiro, and Reverand AnnMarie Zhati Agosta from Brooklyn. Each one opened up to the audience, a group of students and educators, about their history in religion and their present in it. I ended up in a circle of students and one other adult with Reverand Zhati. 48-years-old, Zhati discussed how religion is in the heart. 

As even Creech herself said, “Love is ultimately what brings us together.” Zhati furthered this notion by saying, “People have a limited understanding of what religion is supposed to do. Religion is supposed to bring people together.” I found this workshop incredibly important because religion is hard for LGBTQ people to feel welcome into. LGBTQ is often rejected by religious communities, but Zhati had a response to this feeling and what she said was not to listen to the interpretation of others but to respond to religion with how it feels inside of us—inside our hearts. 

I had asked what Zhati had to say about religion and this 2016 Presidential Election. What she said was brilliant: “Before an infection can be healed it must reach this intense point,” Zhati said, “The wound is where the light comes in.” Nelly Sanchez Aranda, 15, from Trenton was a particular sight that bent my heart. She kept her tears back, discussing her pain of the election and all of her fears. She had to come to a realization that through her pain, positivity would be the answer, as she said, “Don’t let the negativity fill your body—look on the bright side, we all want positivity. No to fear, yes to acceptance—we want the best for everyone.” 

Another workshop I participated in was, **We’ve been here: Improving your Allyship for Non-binary Latinx by Latinx, LGBTQ activist and Princeton University student Arlene B. Gamio Cuervo the author of Latinx: A brief handbook for the Princeton LGBT Center. 

Session one was extremely informative and eye opening to our global cultures. Cuervo discussed gender inclusivity through language, specifically in Latinx culture. Latin’x’, with emphasis on the ‘x’, refers to the gender spectrum for those that do not fit between neither man nor woman but somewhere in between or not at all. The ‘x’ brings more inclusivity where as the ‘a’/‘o’ are exclusive to binary genders, excluding those that, again, are inbetween genders or not at all. 

Cuervo brought attention to the dimension of intersectionalities between gender identity, ethnicity, culture, skin color and sexual orientation, as we discussed AfrxLatinx, or Latinx people of color.   

Colors of our skin vary in every ethnicity no matter the region we are from and that does need to be recognized, as do these minorities who are not recognized under certain political eccentrisms. Cuervo led the audience to answer her questions or answer others. As some audience members were young, learning about themselves and others, some were older also learning about themselves and others. One unamed high school student said, “I don’t know what I am.” 

The student was at the NJ GSA Forum and at Cuervo’s workshop to learn more about herself and LGBTQ peoples. She seemed intrigued by what was said but not fearful to ask questions or be questioned. I wanted to hug her because I wanted her to know she will find out what she is and she will be loved by all of us. I wish I hugged her. 

“It feels liberating, empowering, and energizing to be around a group of kids who share your identity,” said LGBTQ Director of HiTOPS Daniel Fernandez. Fernandez helped host this past Saturday’s event saying that this forum, in particular, was special to him. Latinx himself, Fernandez identifies as a transgender male. 

Fernandez and I first met at last year’s GSA Forum, which was held at my Ocean Township High School. Taking over the role of Corrine O’Hara, HiTops health educator and co-founder of the Forum. 

Keynote, Sonia Guiñansaca spoke to the forum’s over 500 students about Trump’s victory over Hillary Clinton. She talked about her and her partner driving home in an Uber watching states turn read. She discussed her life as a once undocumented immigrant, and how the fear of such an unapologetic President-elect made her she said she hoped  “ I want to feel safe now; not in the future; not in twenty years from now; not after we have done all of this organizing in struggle, and I want to feel it now,” said Guiñansaca, “I want to be my full self everyday, right now.”

What Guiñansaca is confident about is the many acts we have already taken and the many acts of courage we will take. When I had asked her what has inspired her all of these years and made her find personable relation and representation of who she is, Guiñansaca said she has turned to poetry, turning to writers that have made her feel complete. Guiñansaca has also found inspiration in our queer, undocumented elders. She says, “How they have navigated their life has been inspirational.” 

This year’s forum has brought a plethora of diversity, love, emotion and heart. We have brought attention to intersectionalities upon intersectionalities, queer undocumented peoples, Latinx communities, being queer in the real world, Latinx allyship, being transgender in the workplace, Legal rights for LGBTQ+, art, queer people of color, and so much more. 

Every year there is something to learn at the NJ GSA Forum no matter who you are, what you’ve experienced, and where we stand as a nation, community and world. This was just a snippet of the beauty, emotion, safety, togetherness, and education the Forum blossoms every year. With that said, I hope to experience the all encompassing haven of the NJ GSA Forum with you next year and years to come.

[harvardfineartslib]

Read with pride!

“Something of a living legend, Daniel Nicoletta (born 1954) has been the leading chronicler of the LGBT civil rights movement in San Francisco over the last 40 years. This is the first book dedicated to his powerful photographs from the burgeoning lesbian-gay-bisexual-transgender mecca that was San Francisco in the 1970s and its journey to the present. Nicoletta is best known for his iconic images of Harvey Milk, one of the world's first openly gay elected officials, who was assassinated by a homophobic colleague in 1978. Nicoletta portrayed the glittering drag queens, the fabulous costumes, the alternative theater world and the quiet bravery of same-sex couples trying to live their lives. Today, Nicoletta continues to document the reverberations of Milk's legacy. He serves as a key point person for LGBT civil rights and Milk-related research. In 2014, one of Nicoletta's photographs was used on a Harvey Milk Forever stamp. 'LGBT: San Francisco' is an essential gay history and a stunning photographic work that is not to be missed.” – from the publisher’s note.

Image 1: Images from the endpaper

Image 2: Left page: Haight Street Fair, May 18, 1980. Miss X, Tippi, Freda Lay and Dorish Fish. Right page: Haight Street Fair, May 18, 1980. Doris Fish and Tippi.

Image 3: SF LGBT Pride, June 28, 1992. Cirrus and Frederick.

Image 4: Left page: SF LGBT Pride, June 25, 2000. Randy P. Burns (Pyramid Lake Paiute Tribe and co-founder of Gay American Indians in 1975) and Bambi Raven Littlefeather (Tlingit Nation, Takdeintaan Raven Clan). Right page: SF Dyke March, June 24, 2000. Ruth Villasenor (Chiricahua Apache and Mexican Tribes and Bay Area American Indian Two Spirit member).

Image 5: Castro Street Fair. August 1976. Leon Lott, December Wright and Larry Williams.

LGBT San Francisco : the Daniel Nicoletta photographs Attribution Photographs, Daniel Nicoletta ; foreword, Gus Van Sant ; introduction, Chuck Mobley ; editor, Tony Nourmand ; art direction, Joakim Olsson. Author / Creator Nicoletta, Daniel, 1954- [photographer]  London, UK : Reel Art Press, 2017. 304 pages : chiefly illustrations (some color) ; 31 cm English 2017 HOLLIS number: 990150582040203941

[ftonews]

Happy Pride Month. Take it with you and pass it on.

Source • @alexcsmorgan Hello fellow writers and readers!

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Representation of queer identities in literature, and media in general, is something that the LGBTQIA+ community has been fighting for a long time.

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Luckily, today we have way more rep than 10 or 20 years ago. However, we still have a long way to go to make representation truthful and diverse enough for all queer identities. We still see a lot of token rep, and downright harmful rep that can worsen how society views queer folk.

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For this #WriterTalkTuesday we brought you some examples of harmful queer stereotypes we should avoid in our stories.

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Do you have any more examples of harmful queer stereotypes?

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What are the types of queer rep you'd like to see more in media?

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#TheWriterCommunity #findmywritingcommunity #TheWritingCommunity #writingcommunity #writersofinstagram #writersofinsta #writingcommunity #indiewriter #indieauthorsrule #writersfollowwriters #igwrites #writersofig #indieauthor #writersnetwork #lgbt #lgbtq #pride #lgbtqia #queer #pridemonth #lgbtqactivism #queerrep #pride2021 #transpride #bipride #pride🌈 #bipride🌈 #enbypride🌈 #pride2021🌈

[theqreview]

Love Bleachers and Jack Antonoff! . Billboard Article: Jack Antonoff Talks 'Important' LGBTQ Activism & Producing 'Love, Simon' Soundtrack: 'I Feel So Lucky' . https://www.billboard.com/articles/news/pride/8487702/jack-antonoff-lgbtq-activism-love-simon-ally-coalition . @bleachersmusic @jackantonoff #bleachers #bleachersmusic #jackantonoff #inclusion #lovesimon @lovesimonmovie #activism #lgbtqactivism #ally #allyship #lgbt #lgbtq #lgbtmusic #lgbtqmusic #insta #instagram #instamusic #instalike #instafollow https://www.instagram.com/p/Bq8UaHmgJYV/?utm_source=ig_tumblr_share&igshid=6mlvo9axbz4d

[koripride]

Get ready for the biggest gay Pride event in Asia! Taiwan LGBT Pride 2023 starts on October 21st. 🌈🎉 #TaiwanLGBTPride #AsiaPride #LGBTQActivism

[nonbinary-nature-lover-jeri]

In celebration of #InternationalKissingDay here’s a pop art collage of a kiss between me, and my then love, Greg at The Queer Nation Wedding on the pavement alongside the Cathedral of The Holy Cross, Boston, Massachusetts August, 1991. Here’s the story from a few years back on my WordPress blog: https://jerbearinsantafe.wordpress.com/2014/10/04/my-queer-nation-marriage-in-1991-and-the-unfinished-queer-agenda-an-essay-by-jeffrey-s-trachtman/ Original photo credit by my friend Bud Grant

#QueerNation #QueerWedding #1991 #Boston #LGBTQActivism #MarriageEquality