Celebrating 50 Years of LGBTQ+ Pride
2019 marks a historical date for the LGBTQ+ community, celebrating 50 years of pride. As important as it is to join hand in hand, it is also important to understand the history of the community and to rejoice in the progress that has been made.
On 28th June 1969, a brave group of LGBTQ+ individuals changed the lives of the community forever. Clubs and bars were often raided as part of police practice, and in particular the Stonewall Inn in New York City, which was a popular place for the LBGTQ+ community.
That night, the usual police raid was refused as the individuals took a stand and the following five days resulted in protests for LGBTQ+ rights. These protests saw a number of LGBTQ+ rights organisations being established in the USA and other parts of the world alongside the Stonewall group. The following year, in 1970, the first pride parades began in commemoration of the bravery at the Stonewall Inn. 34 years on from the riots, Stonewall were granted charitable status and today raises funds in a variety of ways including donations, sponsorship and fundraising events.
Here at Ellis Jones Solicitors we actively support the LGBTQ+ community and launched our LGBT service to mark ‘National Coming Out Day’ in November 2017. Our specialist LGBT solicitors have a wealth of experience and understanding in the legal issues which affect the LGBTQ+ community and can assist with same-sex disputes, discrimination, employment law advice, family law and fertility advice and many other issues. In 2018, our Firm sponsored Bournemouth’s ‘Bourne Free’ pride event held in Bournemouth square and lower gardens. Sponsoring the annual event was a fantastic way for us to support our local LGBTQ+ community, as well as businesses.
The LGBTQ+ community are celebrating Pride across 46 countries worldwide. The rights of LGBTQ+ people have dramatically changed since the raid of Stonewall in 1969. The LGBTQ+ community now have the right to change legal gender, marry those of the same sex, serve in the military, and are protected against discrimination. Unfortunately not all countries have implemented these changes; however the progress over the past 50 years can only leave us hopeful for the future.
To speak to a member of our specialist LGBT team please call us on 01202 525333 or email us at lgbt@ellisjones.co.uk.
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