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As a gay person, I find myself increasingly disengaged from the corporate-driven spectacle that "Pride Month" has become. While visibility is crucial, it often feels like we've traded the radical spirit of queer liberation for the comfortable, often hollow, embrace of "Rainbow Capitalism." We need to shift our focus back to "Queer Liberation, Not Rainbow Capitalism."

The history of our movement, from Stonewall in the US to the Gay Liberation Front in the UK, is rooted in protest, direct action, and a fierce demand for systemic change, not just market share. The fight for true liberation extends far beyond rainbow flags on storefronts and corporate sponsorships. It's about dismantling the structures that continue to oppress LGBTQIA+ people globally and, indeed, right here in the UK and USA.

ILGA (International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans, and Intersex Association) World's reports consistently highlight the grim reality for LGBTQIA+ people globally, far beyond the brightly coloured storefronts of June. Their data shows that:

Criminalization is still rampant: As of May 2025, ILGA World reports that 64 UN member states still criminalize consensual same-sex sexual acts. This isn't just about laws on paper; their "Our Identities Under Arrest" report reveals that enforcement often involves arbitrary arrests, detentions, and violence, often going unreported.

Freedom of expression and association are under attack: Over 60 UN member states limit freedom of expression related to sexual and gender diversity, and many also create legal barriers for LGBTQIA+ organizations to operate openly.

Funding for grassroots movements is shrinking: ILGA World has recently noted significant funding cuts from major foundations and governments since 2024, leaving vital community-led research and initiatives at risk. Meanwhile, corporations profit from "pink money."

Even in the UK, progress is not guaranteed and is actively being rolled back:

The UK, despite its progressive image, has seen developments. ILGA-Europe's 2025 Rainbow Map, for instance, noted a significant drop in the UK's ranking due to anti-LGBTI legislation.

Legal Challenges to Trans Rights: We've seen significant legal challenges and policy shifts, particularly concerning trans rights. The Supreme Court's ruling on the definition of "sex" in the Equality Act, for example, has far-reaching implications, potentially undermining protections for trans people in various public services and spaces. The EHRC's subsequent guidance reflects this narrowing interpretation, raising serious concerns for trans inclusion.

Escalating Hate Crime: While homophobic hate crimes in England and Wales saw a slight decrease last year, transphobic hate crimes increased by 11%, reaching the highest number since 2012. This rise is attributed, in part, to anti-trans media reporting and political discourse, demonstrating how rhetoric translates into real-world harm.

Section 28 Echoes: While not a direct reinstatement, some policy discussions and proposals around "gender ideology" in schools and public life evoke a worrying return to restricting education and discussion around LGBTQ+ identities, reminiscent of the damaging Section 28.

In the USA:

The situation in the US is equally, if not more, alarming, with a concerted, coordinated attack on LGBTQ+ rights, particularly targeting trans individuals.

Record Anti-LGBTQ+ Bills: The ACLU is tracking a staggering number of anti-LGBTQ+ state bills in 2025 – over 850, the most in US history, with the vast majority targeting transgender people. These bills seek to restrict access to gender-affirming care, ban trans students from using restrooms or playing sports that align with their gender identity, and even criminalize aspects of trans identity.

Erosion of Protections: States are actively rescinding non-discrimination protections for trans people and pushing to redefine "sex" in ways that exclude trans and non-binary individuals from existing civil rights.

Threats to Healthcare: In multiple states, medical providers face felony charges for providing gender-affirming care to minors, and some bills even aim to criminalize adult gender-affirming care. This directly impacts the health and well-being of countless individuals.

Beyond State Level: Even at the federal level, there have been proposals to remove gender dysphoria from protected disabilities lists and to ban the use of federal funds to "promote gender ideology," signalling a broader governmental effort to undermine LGBTQ+ rights.

Eastern Europe, the Middle East, and Russia:

Many countries in Eastern Europe face significant challenges, with limited legal protections for LGBTQ+ individuals and widespread social stigma. Progress is slow, and in some cases, rights are being actively rolled back.

The Middle East and Russia: The situation is particularly dire in many parts of the Middle East and Russia. LGBTQ+ individuals face severe discrimination, criminalization, and violence, often with little to no legal recourse. In some countries, same-sex acts are punishable by death. These regions often lack legal protections and have strong social stigma against LGBTQ+ people.

This is not just about "culture wars"; these are legislative attacks that directly impact people's lives, their safety, their ability to access healthcare, education, and even their legal recognition.

This Pride Month, let's look beyond the corporate sponsorships and consumerism.

These are the struggles that demand our attention and our collective action, not just our wallets. While I appreciate the sentiment of inclusion, we need to ask ourselves if splashing rainbows on everything truly translates into tangible change for those still facing persecution, violence, and discrimination.

True liberation means dismantling the systems of oppression that affect all marginalized communities, including our own. It means advocating for policy changes, supporting grassroots organizations, and remembering that our struggle is inextricably linked to broader movements for social and economic justice.

This"Pride" Month, let's remember "Queer Liberation, not Rainbow Capitalism." 🌈 🌈

PRIDE - Diluting Activism and Normalizing Oppression.

When corporations become the loudest voices during Pride, it can inadvertently co-opt and de-radicalize the original protest movement. We're often pushed to the side-lines as corporate floats dominate parades. This can lead to a false sense of progress, where visibility is mistaken for actual liberation, and the urgency of the fight against ongoing oppression is diminished. The very systems of corporate power, which contribute to global inequalities, are normalized and even celebrated within the context of "Pride."

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Why is dick so visually pleasing to me. Like, you'd think I would be tired of it by now but I just wanna look at cocks all day every day fml

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UNF!!

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I'd let that tradie do some seriously bad things to me!!

it's about time to get dressed: you already on the work place!