Pride and Perseverance
By Planned Parenthood Advocates of Iowa | June 30, 2020, 5:44 p.m.
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As Pride month comes to a close, we look back on the month of June as one that pushed us, challenged us, and called us to do more. This month marked the beginning of a long-overdue disruption of some of the most harmful and racist systems in this country.
We must never forget that Pride began as an act of protest by a Black trans woman. That protest continues.
Our trans brothers and sisters of color fought for all of us. The 1969 Stonewall Riots sparked the modern LGBTQ+ movement and demonstrated the change that can come from solidarity, protest, and Pride. Now it's time to again honor the work of those who came before us. Black trans lives matter, and our movement wouldn’t be possible without that foundation.
Our Pride is possible because of protest, riots, and determination. Today, we must see clearly that we are not yet where we need to be. We must recommit ourselves over and over to the fight for every person’s freedom to live authentically and without fear. As we enter the second half of 2020, we look forward with determination and a commitment to grow, to learn, and to name and acknowledge systems of oppression so that we may do the work of replacing them with justice and equity.
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