Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month
June is Pride Month. A time when the world's LGBTQ communities come together. It is a time to celebrate and to recognize the role we can all play in affirming everyone's right to be their true self. Pride gatherings are rooted in the history of minority groups who have struggled for years to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. It is a time for many to feel empowered.
WHAT DO THE ABBREVIATIONS MEAN?
LGBT is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender. The term sometimes is extended to LGBTQ or even LGBTQIA to include queer, intersex, and asexual groups. Queer is an umbrella term for non-straight people. Intersex refers to those whose sex is not clearly defined because of genetic, hormonal or biological differences. Asexual describes those who don't experience sexual attraction.
HISTORY OF PRIDE MONTH
The original organizers of Pride Month chose June to pay tribute to the Stonewall uprising that happened in June of 1969 in New York City. The uprising helped spark the modern gay rights movement.
WHO CELEBRATES
Pride events are geared toward anyone, and especially to those who feel like their sexual identity falls outside of the mainstream. However, many straight people, churches, civic organizations, and businesses join in the celebrations as well.
SAFETY WHILE CELEBRATING
While preparing for Pride gatherings and celebrations, keep your personal safety in mind. It is important to create a safety plan for yourself and those who will be with you. As a general rule, it is not a good idea to attend an event alone, there really is safety in numbers. Other personal safety tips:
- Be sure all your electronic devices are charged.
- Always be aware of your surroundings.
- Trust your instincts. If you feel unsafe, remove yourself from the situation as quickly as possible.
- Notify event organizers if you face violence or harassment
- Carry a personal safety device
PERSONAL SAFETY OPTIONS
Consider a personal alarm. One of the most versatile items Mace® Brand offers is an alarm that also has a built-in whistle. It's legal to have and carry everywhere, and it emits an ear piercing shriek should you need help or medical assistance.
ADDITIONAL OPTIONS
We've added a Chameleon Pepper Spray to our selection of pepper sprays, pepper gels, personal alarms, and stun devices.
You can customize this pepper spray by using the rainbow skin provided, or you can even create your own look.
Stay safe everyone. At MACE®, we take our mission of providing community and family safety through individual empowerment seriously.
Another story you would enjoy: How to Take Responsibility for Your Own Safety (mace.com)
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