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Transgender Sign in Pride Parade
To begin, a quick history lesson will keep you up to date with all the work transgender people have put forth in order to help Pride month happen in the first place. The fight for LGBTQ+ rights dates back further than one usually imagines but, in particular, is typically marked by the Stonewall Riots. Led by Marsha "Pay It No Mind" Johnson, a transgender woman of color who helped the New York activist scene for over 25 years, the Stonewall Riots began on June 28th, 1969 in New York. Alongside Sylvia Riveria, a Latina trans woman, and Miss Major Griffin-Gracy, a black trans woman, Marsha P. Johnson led one of the most important queer liberations in history.
The Death and Life of Marsha P. Johnson | petcor80 | Flickrwww.flickr.comWhile the Riots remain a huge moment in history, many often forget those who played front-facing roles in it. Marsha was only 23 years old at the time but was a fearless, ferocious, brave leader who tackled injustice head-on in the riots. In addition to this, she was also co-founded Street Transvestite Action Revolutionaries (STAR), a shelter for homeless transgender youth; she was a big activist for the BIPOC and LGBT+ community, and STAR was revolutionary in many ways, including being the first-ever LGBT+ shelter in North America which was also the first organization in the US to be run by a trans woman of color. Marsha's contributions toward the first Pride parade preceded it by an entire year- the first pride parades came a year after the stonewall riots to commemorate it. Her legacy will live on through her acts and is celebrated by members of the LGBT+ community alike every pride.
With that out of the way, being trans during pride month can hold a lot of meaning for a lot of people, especially given the incomparable history led by transgender women that helped to shape the LBGT+ community today. Pride itself has a long history rooted in defying gender normalities and cisgender, heteronormative ideals. That, in it itself, is a lot to be proud of- let alone each individual's transgender experience that brings more color to personal pride. It is something to celebrate, our own continuation, contribution, and resistance to oppression. For those who are out as transgender, gender non-conforming, genderqueer, nonbinary, or identify anywhere outside of the cisgender binary, just being yourself and expressing your gender identity is a way of celebrating this. And it is momentous to do so! However, of course, it's not the only way; going to pride parades, celebrating with friends, or having your own celebration is just as good, if not more fun. Going to pride marches, participating in pride events or activities, and any form of activism are great ways of acknowledging and indulging in the history that brought us here.
Reaching out for help
Photo by Stormseeker on UnsplashBut, of course, there is always the other side of the coin because this can be extremely difficult for some due to past experiences or traumas. And for others, this is not an option because (and unfortunately, more often than not) coming out is not a safe, viable option due to age, location, and often the stiff political climate that makes transgender people stay hidden. So while there is a lot to celebrate and be proud of, we must also be prideful for those who are unable to be. Because in addition to the rich history of activism and change, there is still an extreme deficit and predisposition to suicide and murder. According to some of the most recent research, the transgender suicide rate is up to 43%, and once every three days, a transgender person is murdered, with transgender women of color being the most likely victims.
Efforts to calculate and track transgender murder rates are often hindered by laws and data collection, therefore reported numbers may not be the best representations. Alongside these statistics come very scary legislation, such as House Bill 151 and HF 184 that allow the 'inspection' of young girls' genitals in an effort to keep transgender girls from participating in sports. There are also bathroom bills, pronoun and name bills, and medical care acts that are trying to strip away our rights. The huge dark cloud of oppression still hangs heavily over many transgender people within the United States and is much worse elsewhere in the world.
But, these are all reasons to be more prideful as well. Trans people have historically risen above and fought to be themselves- and admit the oppression, we will continue to do so unapologetically. So despite all the sorrowfully realities we face, we must take them in stride and use them for our pride, We need to keep them in mind not just to remember the reality but to be able to say, "This is what we deal with and yet, we use it to fuel our pride." Because the reality is that we are all making history just by existing and that is something to celebrate. So take pride in everything and for everyone, especially for those who may not be able to themselves. Pride month is a time to celebrate ancestors, self-discovery, friendship, and much more, so if you are able to, do so!
Activism has always and will continue to be a huge part of pride until there is equity for every minority group. So consider using these resources to continue your activism of change towards trans rights and equality. You can do so by contacting your legislators regarding your local anti-trans legislature. Or if you are able, donate to funds that support transgender persons legally! And if you're unable to do either and are in need of support, here are a few resources that may help: The Trevor project; 1-866-488-7386 Trans Life Line; 1-877-565-8860.
Author's Note: It is important to not only recognize and acknowledge the deep-rooted history that transgender individuals had in creating equal opportunities and rights for the LGBTQ+ community but also recognize the deep-seated oppression that continues to plague the transgender community today, despite best efforts towards equality, justice, and freedom. When discussing Pride Month or any celebration of LGBTQ+ individuals, give credit where credit is due.
- 5 Things That Happen When People Come Out as Trans - OutVoices ›
- Transgender Representation in Media - OutVoices ›
Best LGBTQ+ Movies on Hulu
Are you always wondering what to watch right now? These are some of the best LGBTQ+ movies streaming on Hulu right now and for good reason. They range from LGBTQ historical settings to romance to LGBTQ+ documentaries.
If you're looking for more movies, check out what's playing on Netflix, Revry, Here TV, and Amazon Prime.
Happiest Season
hulu Original movie Happiest Season
Photo courtesy of Hulu
Abby has dated Harper for nearly a year when Harper invites Abby to her family’s home for Christmas, and Abby happily accepts taking it as the perfect opportunity to introduce herself to Harper’s parents and propose to her. Except that Harper is not out to her family yet, and begs Abby to play along, pretending they are just roommates. This movie is a great queer take on the holiday trope, it’s heartwarming and a happy ending like this one on a lesbian movie was overdue. It is directed by lesbian director Clea DuVall.
Duration: 102 minutes.
Year: 2020
Country: US
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The Miseducation of Cameron Post
The Miseducation of Cameron Post
Photo courtesy of Hulu
Cameron is caught with her secret girlfriend at homecoming in 1993 and is sent by her aunt to God’s Promise conversion therapy center. She becomes friends with Jane Fonda and Adam Red Eagle, two “disciples” who, like her, do not believe in the center’s message. But conversion therapy affects everyone differently, and it’s not easy for Cameron to adapt to her new reality. This movie is based on the great 2012 novel by Emily M. Danforth of the same name, and it is directed by bisexual director Desiree Akhavan. It is intense, dramatic, and emotional.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Year: 2018
Country: US
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Saving Face
Saving Face on Hulu
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Wil is a young surgeon of Chinese descent living in New York; her mother, Gao, keeps playing match-maker at every party, trying to get her daughter the desirable son of one of her friends. It is at one of those parties that Wil meets Vivian, a professional dancer whose mother has gotten divorced and is pitied by the community and whose father is Wil’s boss at the hospital. As Wil and Vivian start dating, in secret since Wil’s closeted to her family, Wil’s mum moves in with her daughter, having been kicked out of her own father’s house for being pregnant at 48, and not married.
This movie is a great tool for challenging Chinese stereotypes, and a great love story with a happy ending. It was Alice Wu’s first movie as a director, and she has fought hard to have it bilingual, casting actors and actresses who are Asian and could speak both Mandarin and English.
Duration: 91 minutes.
Year: 2004
Country: US
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Portrait of a Lady On Fire
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Marianne is a painter in the eighteenth century who is called to a remote island in Brittany to paint a portrait of Héloïse, a woman in an arranged marriage to a Milanese nobleman who was promised to her sister. Héloïse had previously refused to be painted, as she did not want to get married, so Marianne pretends she is there to accompany her on walks, memorizing her features and painting her in secret but soon enough their bond changes.
This movie is passionate, dramatic, and sensual. It is directed by Céline Sciamma and has won the 2019 Queer Palm in Cannes.
Duration: 120 minutes.
Year: 2019
Country: France
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The World to Come
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Abigail lives on a farm with her husband, far from anyone else. She has recently buried her child, four-year-old Nellie, and is grieving when she sees Tallie, the wife of their neighbor. The two women start spending their time together, with Tallie visiting Abigail almost every day and helping her with her duties. Their relationship blossoms into a romance, with the two women finding relief from their solitude in each other’s company, until Tallie’s controlling husband gets in their way.
This movie is set in the late nineteenth century in the state of New York; it is historical, emotional, romantic yet sad, and tense. It is directed by Mona Fastvold and has won the Queer Lion at the 77thVenice Film Festival for best LGBTQ-themed film.
Duration: 98 minutes
Year: 2020
Country: US
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Flee
Flee by Jonas Poher Rasmussen
Photo courtesy of Hulu
Amin is being interviewed by a long-time friend, director Jonas Poher Rasmussen, who is making a documentary about Amin’s life, from fleeing Afghanistan to being a refugee in Denmark. Amin has not told the details of his story to anyone yet, including his fiancé Kasper. Amin then goes on to explore his trauma.
This movie is an adult animated documentary, truly directed by Jonas Poher Rasmussen, telling the story of a man under the alias of Amin Nawabi. It has won many awards, and it was nominated three times for an Academy Award.
Duration: 90 minutes.
Year: 2021
Country: Denmark
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God’s Own Country
God's Own Country
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Johnny lives on a farm in Yorkshire with his father and grandmother. The keeping of the farm mainly falls on his shoulders, as his father has suffered a stroke; during his free time, Johnny likes to drink and engage in unattached sexual intercourse with other men. During lambing season, he hires Gheorghe, a Romanian migrant worker, as extra help. As they start spending more time together, Johnny lets go of the austerity he has always been used to.
This movie is inspiring, hopeful, and a bit tense; it was directed by Francis Lee and has won many awards, including the World Cinema Directing Award at the 2017 Sundance Film Festival.
Duration: 106 minutes
Year: 2017
Country: UK
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Supernova
supernova
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Sam and Tusker have been together for twenty years when they decide to take a trip across England to visit some friends and family. Tusker has been diagnosed with early dementia and is writing a book that he refuses to show to Sam. During the trip, Sam finds out that Tusker has been having trouble writing: the decline of his illness might not be the only thing his partner has been hiding. The movie is romantic, contemporary, and a bit sad; it features Colin Firth and Stanley Tucci as main actors and it is directed by Harry Macqueen.
Duration: 93 minutes
Year: 2020
Country: UK
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Crush
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Paige is an artist who is about to get into the art college of her dreams, when KingPun, a graffiti artist, starts smearing the school and frames her; being accused of tagging, Paige is almost suspended. She cuts herself a plea deal: she will join the track team in order to avoid suspension until she finds out who KingPun really is. Track team co-captains are twin sisters Gabby, for whom Paige has had a crush since elementary school, and AJ. Soon Paige will discover that her feelings have been orbiting around a different person, and her first love will come as easily as the inspiration she was looking for.
This movie is a great high school drama picture, in a school where everyone says gay and is full of queer characters. It is heartwarming and silly and important in a time when lots of queer kids cannot be themselves in their own realities. It is directed by Sammi Cohen, and the writers and main actresses all identify as queer.
Duration: 92 minutes
Year: 2022
Country: US
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Grandma
Grandma
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Elle is a lesbian poet and a widow, a self-described misanthrope, who gets a visit from her granddaughter Sage asking her for help to come up with $630 by that afternoon to get an abortion. They get on a road trip across Los Angeles to collect the money from people who own them a favor. This movie is lighthearted and feminist. It is directed by Paul Weitz and features Lily Tomlin.
Duration: 79 minutes.
Year: 2015
Country: US
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Booksmart
booksmart
Photo courtesy of Hulu.
Amy and Molly are best friends, they are very smart and they are not popular among their peers. On their last day of high school, they decide to break all of the rules and enjoy their time as teenagers, so they head to Nick’s house party, where they both try different things for the first time, and hope to have a chance with their crushes, Amy’s a girl named Ryan and Molly’s Nick himself. It was directed by Olivia Wilde, and it was her first directed movie.
Duration: 105 minutes.
Year: 2019
Country: US
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Best LGBTQ+ Campgrounds
Get out and stay out this summer at one of these five outstanding LGBTQ+ campgrounds. Feel safe and welcomed while exploring nature, hanging out with friends, and meeting new people. The most difficult decision you'll have to make is which one you're going to first!
Before you head out, make sure you're prepared and have your camping checklist ready to go because you're going to need supplies.
1. Rainbow Ranch, Groesbeck, TX
Camping in Texas
Photo by Pete Alexopoulos on UnsplashLocated in central Texas, the Rainbow Ranch is an LGBTQ+ campground with tent sites, RV sites, cabins, an apartment, and a large house. Gather your queers and head to the Ranch for a weekend of hiking or biking on their 700 acres of land, hanging by the pool, or fishing on Lake Limestone.
Rainbow Ranch hosts special events every other weekend, so be sure to check out their calendar before booking your stay. For a more quiet, peaceful experience, consider booking one of their "off" weekends.
Rainbow Ranch received Dallas Voice's Readers Voice Award for Best Weekend Getaway seven years in a row, so go and see what everyone is raving about!
Address: 1662 LCR 800, Groesbeck, TX 76642
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2. Sawmill Camping Resort, Dade City, FL
Camping in Florida
Photo by Denys Kostyuchenko on UnsplashHighly regarded as the go-to LGBTQ+ camping resort in the southeast, Sawmill Camping Resort has something for everyone. Take a walk around Ricki Lake, enjoy some pool time, or dance the night away in Woody's Nightclub. With 4 bars, a heated outdoor pool, themed events, a general store, and tons of delicious food options, you'll never want to leave.
Sawmill is a 21+ camping resort, with clothing optional at the pool. You must have a membership to stay at Sawmill, which costs $50 and is valid for an entire year. Spend a couple of weekends here and the membership will pay for itself in no time.
Address: 21710 US Hwy. 98, Dade City, FL 33523
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3. Campit Resort, Fennville, MI
Camping in Michigan
Photo by Gary Meulemans on UnsplashCampit Outdoor Resort is a camping resort that offers a welcoming atmosphere for LGBTQ+ folks and allies. In addition to tent and RV camping, Campit offers a number of lodging choices including cabins, a Bed and Breakfast, and Vintage Trailers. The resort offers a number of scheduled events and activities so that you'll never be bored during your stay.
As if being near the shores of Lake Michigan wasn't enough, the resort offers a clubhouse, rec hall, a game room, heated pool, a volleyball court, horseshoes, and plenty of hiking trails. The general store is stocked with essentials, as well as an extensive collection of Pride merchandise. Campit also has a "toy store" which is stocked with a broad selection of leather goods and novelty items.
Perhaps the best perk of Campit is that they are pet friendly, so pack up your four-legged pals for the weekend.
Address: 6635 118th Ave, Fennville, MI 49408
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4. The Woods Campground, Lehighton, PA
Camping in Pennsylvania
Photo by Ryan Stone on UnsplashNestled on 161 private acres, The Woods Campground is a membership-only 18+ camping resort. With hiking trails, streams, and a four-acre lake, the Woods is a paradise for any nature enthusiast. If that isn't your scene, don't worry, the Woods has plenty of amenities to enjoy, including a cafe and dance club. With an outdoor pool and patio, volleyball, and frequent events, there is always something on at the Woods.
You can purchase a single-day membership ($25 per person) or a season membership ($45 per person). This fee is separate from camping fees but is well worth it. The Woods has a variety of campsites for tents, RVs, and trailers, as well as cabin rentals and resort homes.
Address: 3500 Forest Street Lehighton, PA 18235
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5. The Highlands Resort, Guernsville, CA
Camping in Northern California
Photo by Ruben Mishchuk on UnsplashA gem in the Northern California, The Highlands Resort is a quiet, peaceful place high in the Redwood Forests of CA, located on the Russian River. Bike, hike, or go wine tasting during the day, and at night, check out local bars and restaurants, or soak in the beauty of your surroundings and the star-filled skies. Guerneville sits in the heart of Sonoma County and is renowned for being LGBTQ+ friendly, with many queer-owned businesses to visit.
With a number of quaint and quirky river villages to explore, along with endless outdoor recreation options, you will have plenty to do during your stay here. Highlands offers a variety of unique cabins and rooms to book for your stay.
Address: 14000 Woodland Dr. Guerneville, CA 9544
Learn More
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