When it comes to on-the-nose statements about our Mr. Thrive Media blog topics, there’s nothing else quite like this post: podcasting pride. To celebrate Pride Month, we’re diving into our favorite topic–podcasts–as our lens to explore Pride Month.
As we discussed our blogs for the month of June in a Mr. Thrive meeting, our founder, Chaz Volk, turned to the group and said, “How did we not think to do a post about Pride Month!?” His shock was apt. Inclusion is a part of our work here at Mr. Thrive and a part of many of the podcasts we produce.
We’ve covered a range of national months of celebration and special days here on the blog. There have been discussions on the International Day of Happiness, Women’s History Month, and Presidents’ Day. We’ve also talked about mental health awareness celebrations and podcast accessibility with a focus on inclusion.
We’re excited now for this opportunity to talk about Pride Month. From Pride Month roots to ways to celebrate to our favorite podcast episodes related to Pride, read on for our best holiday special yet!
The History of Pride Month
For the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month is as much about the history of the community as the present and future we’re working toward. When you visit Pride events, you’ll see dedications to the members of the community who have pushed for inclusion through the years.
The history of Pride Month starts back in 1969 with the Stonewall Riots. The Stonewall Riots, which started from events at the Stonewall Inn in Greenwich Village, are one of the most notable events of the gay rights movement. On June 28, 1969, the riots began without planning, as a response to the police raids that were happening at the Stonewall Inn.
The LGBTQ+ community that came together for the Stonewall Riots was the beginning of the voices we hear in the community today. In June of 1999, then President Bill Clinton declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month. President Barack Obama expanded the recognition in 2011, to include the entire LGBTQ+ community.
LGBTQ+ Celebrations and Holidays
For celebrating the LGBTQ+ community, Pride Month isn’t the only holiday event we have to engage with. Some of the other events and celebrations you can take part in include:
- LGBT History Month in October
- National Coming Out Day on October 11
- National LGBTQ Health Awareness Week in March
- International Transgender Day of Visibility on March 31
- Day of Silence on April 17, protesting the bullying and harassment of the LGBTQ+ community
- Lesbian Visibility Day on April 26
- International Day Against Homophobia and Transphobia on May 17
- Harvey Milk Day on May 22
- Stonewall Riots Anniversary on June 27
- International Drag Day on July 16
- Celebrate Bisexuality Day on September 23
- Asexuality Awareness Week, falling in October or November as the dates vary
- Transgender Day of Remembrance on November 20
- World AIDS Day on December 1
Some of these days are somber events. Others are delightful celebrations. Each and every one of them is an opportunity to make space for the LGBTQ+ community.
5 Podcast Episodes On Pride
In thinking about podcast episodes to highlight in this blog, our minds went to a few podcasts we work on here at Mr. Thrive. A few of these episodes come from internal podcasts, including Bad Jew and The Mr. Thrive Podcast. Others come from The Cost of Not Paying Attention, Inclusive Storytelling, and It’s About Language.
These podcasts all focus on inclusion and open conversations in a general sense. These five episodes, in particular, strike a chord for Pride Month. Starting with these episodes will give you some solid listening material for Pride Month. From there, these podcasts will provide a voice of inclusion all year long.
5. Exploring and Questioning Bias: A Conversation with Arthur Padilla
The It’s About Language episode, Exploring and Questioning Bias: A Conversation with Arthur Padilla, is a stepping stone into the LGBTQ+ community. Arthur Padilla has worked extensively in the LGBTQ+ community. His experience in the community led to his deep understanding of how bias affects our lives.
4. Arts & Transgender Activism
From Inclusive Storytelling, there’s a stunning episode titled Arts & Transgender Activism with guest Kalki Subramaniam. Subramaniam is a transgender rights activist, artist, actress, writer, poet, and entrepreneur from Tamil Nadu, India. The episode dives into the place of activism in the world of arts and artists.
3. Bring Your Whole Self to Work? with Tracy Brower
In The Cost of Not Paying Attention, the episode of Bring Your Whole Self to Work? with Tracy Brower ties to the inclusivity of Pride Month. There is a history of persecution of people in the LGBTQ+ community in the workplace. Bringing your whole self to work takes on a new meaning with Pride. It relates to the need for sexual orientation and gender identity to be safe at work.
2. Can You Be Jewish and LGBTQ? with Raye Schiller
From Bad Jew, we have the Can You Be Jewish and LGBTQ? with Raye Schiller episode. In the episode, Raye Schiller, a comedian and a queer formerly Orthodox Jew applies her humor and personal experience to the question at hand.
1. Transgender Representation in Film (Cinematographer, Writer, and Director, Dana St. Amand)
From The Mr. Thrive Podcast, the episode titled Transgender Representation in Film (Cinematographer, Writer, and Director, Dana St. Amand) reaches further into the transgender experience in the film industry. It’s a marker of the work it takes to be in the film industry and the additional work of being transgender in the industry.
Celebrating Pride Month
Celebrating Pride Month is something everyone can take part in. Whether you identify as part of the LGBTQ+ community or not, Pride Month is a time to support the community however you can. Some common and delightful options for celebrating Pride Month include:
- Join Pride Marches and community events
- Buy books and other created content from LGBTQ+ creators
- If you’re in the LGBTQ+ community, share your own stories if you feel comfortable
- If you’re a business owner, tune into talks about inclusion and examine your own business culture
- Done to LGBTQ+-focused charities
- Host a Pride Month movie night with friends
- Educate yourself on the history of Pride, and get involved in the future of this community
The most important factor of any type of celebrating Pride Month is that you are open in sharing space in the LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re opening your own space in the community, or looking for a place to provide support, Pride Month is about inclusion and celebration.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pride Month and Podcasting Pride
Podcasting pride is the bringing together of Pride Month and the world of podcasts. That’s a unique mix. It’s well-balanced, with so many podcasts focusing on inclusion in some form or another. It’s also a great opportunity to think about Pride Month and LGBTQ+ inclusion in terms of podcasts and the digital ecosystem we create together.
Our answers to these frequently asked questions will give you more to think about for the intersection of Pride Month and podcasts. There’s always more you can learn about Pride Month to join the celebration, and these answers are a place to start.
What Month Is Pride Awareness Month?
June is Pride Awareness Month, because it started with the Stonewall Riots back in June of 1969. The Stonewall Riots are regarded as a major marker of the beginning of the gay rights movement. June was established by President Clinton as Pride Month in 1999.
Why Is Pride Month Called Pride Month?
Pride Month is called Pride Month because it’s meant to be a celebration of people in the LGBTQ+ community being proud of who they are. Throughout history, people in the LGBTQ+ community have been ridiculed, mocked, harassed, attacked, and murdered, simply for being who they are.
Pride Month is a testament to those people who have continued to be proudly themselves, even in the face of persecution and death. If you’re a part of the LGBTQ+ community, this month is a specific time to know that you are perfect, just the way you are.
How Can I Recognize Pride Month In Podcasts?
If you’re a podcast creator, you can recognize and celebrate Pride Month by calling attention to the LGBTQ+ community in your episodes. You can bring in guests who want to speak about things related to Pride and the community. You can speak to inclusion, history, and the future of the LGBTQ+ community. Whatever you do, showing support for the community is the best step.
What Does the Rainbow Flag Mean?
The rainbow flag associated with Pride Month and the LGBTQ+ community represents all shades of sexual orientation and gender identity in the community. The six-color pride flag is one of the most commonly used flags for pride. There are also flags that include hot pink, but the color was left off the six-color flag due to the scarcity of the fabric.
What are the Symbols for Pride Month?
The main symbol for Pride Month is the rainbow and the rainbow flag. The colors have their meanings, and there are different shades of flags for different sexual orientations and gender identities. The main rainbow, however, is most often tied to Pride Month because it is inclusive for all people in the LGBTQ+ community.
Pride and Podcasts: Showcasing Pride, In Episodes and In Life
From Pride Month to every other month of the year, working with inclusivity in the podcasting industry is always a good plan. If you’re looking to work with a marketing agency and podcast production company with a focus on inclusivity, reach out to Mr. Thrive Media today.