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June, now globally recognised as Pride Month, is meant to spotlight the LGBTQ+ community. But more and more, I am noticing a shift, and not just among straight people. I have seen a number of posts from people within the LGB community expressing that they neither asked for nor support the current version of Pride Month. Many say it no longer represents them. Instead, it seems to be driven by a louder subset (TQ) focused on recognition at any cost, often to the discomfort of others.
That tweet got me thinking. What if we reimagined Pride Month altogether?
What if, instead of focusing on identity politics or divisive symbolism, we redirected our collective energy towards celebrating something we all share - our nation? What if, in place of rainbow banners, we proudly flew the New Zealand flag? A symbol that reflects unity, heritage, and the shared values of everyone who calls this country home?
This is not about denying anyone’s right to be who they are, or think they are. But it is worth asking - should pride be about sexual identity, or should it be about something broader, something that unites?
You will not find heterosexuals campaigning for a “Straight Pride” month, nor is there a global movement to spotlight every other identity in such a public and performative way. The irony is, the more activism becomes about forcing recognition, the more people start to disengage or even push back.
So here is a suggestion. Let us redefine what it means to be proud. Buy a New Zealand flag. Hang it outside your home, wave it at events, post it online with the hashtag #PrideMonth - not to erase others, but to bring people together.
Maybe, just maybe, we can turn June into a month that celebrates everyone under one flag
Matua Kahurangi is just a bloke sharing thoughts on New Zealand and the world beyond. No fluff, just honest takes. He blogs on https://matuakahurangi.com/ where this article was sourced.
5 comments:
Why the hell a month? Pride for what? Why do I need to celebrate other people's choice of lifestyle or tendencies?
Is not one parade a year enough?
Why "drag" it out and get in everyone's face about an outdated issue no one is concerned about now.
Over it.
“Maybe, just maybe, we can turn June into a month that celebrates everyone under one flag” (and one law for all irrespective of race, color or creed)
Excellent idea and historically the timing is correct as well, as around this time of the year 184 years ago the Constitutional Charter of New Zealand, our Founding Document and First Constitution was enacted.
1841 – Governor Hobson presided over the first sitting of the Legislative Council which ran from the 24th May to the 10th July 1841. He cited Queen Victoria’s Royal Charter/Letters Patent dated 16 November 1840 as the authority for him to assume the position of Governor and Commander-in-Chief and to appoint an Executive Council. George Clarke became Chief Proctor of the tangata Maori.
Right on Matua, we are and always will be stronger united, let's keep it that way. We are all one, NEW ZEALAND Forever. United we stand divided we fall, let's not be divided.
I am sympathetic to gay people . It is a difficult lifestyle and there has been cruelty towards them .
However , it is not a lifestyle that should be encouraged since they have a very high suicide rate even for those who are fully supported . This suicide rate has increased not decreased as they become more accepted in society with their parades etc.
Why do a few members within minority groups have to annoy the hell out of everyone by pushing their cause on to everyone else.
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