Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer/Questioning, Intersex, Asexual (LGBTQIA+) month occurs in June of each year. The reason it occurs in June is because that was the same month the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City took place. The first Pride march was in New York City and happened on June 28, 1970, one year after the Stonewall Uprising.[1]
My first Pride Parade was the one in Boston, Massachusetts in 2004. I had just recently come out to my friends. (At that point, I had not come out to my parents. If you want to know more about my coming out story, you can see the blog post about the experience.) As part of my meeting more people from the LGBTQIA+ community, I got involved with the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts as a safer sex outreach worker. As a volunteer for the organization, I would go to different venues and provide tools for safer sex like condoms, dental dams and lubrication. In addition, I would talk to different people and answer their questions about HIV and AIDS. It was part of this organization that I went to my first Pride Parade.
I had the opportunity to march with the AIDS Action Committee of Massachusetts. It was a bit overwhelming but exciting at the same time to be part of such a historic event. As I was walking through the streets from the Back Bay to the South End neighborhoods of Boston, it was an amazing site to see all the different people out celebrating.
I am proud to share part of my story as part of LGBTQIA+ community for Pride Month. We have come a long way from the days of the Stonewall Uprising and this month reminds me to be thankful of all the progress that has been made since those days. However, I am also aware that there are still members of the LGBTQIA+ community that still have their rights limited.
If you want to learn more about me, Dr. Brian Lai, M.D., or need pain-related care from a member of the LGBTQIA+ community, call (310) 985-1779 or book online, and see how I can help you get back to doing the things you love. Happy Pride!!