Pride Month: More Than a Celebration, It's a Fight for Survival
Posted on Jun. 1, 2025
By Joshua Tice
Pride Month has always been a powerful symbol of LGBTQIA+ resilience, joy and community. But in 2025, it takes on an even greater significance. With increasing political turmoil and targeted attacks on LGBTQIA+ rights, Pride is not just a celebration; it's a vital act of resistance.
My Personal Experience
I grew up in a world where "gay" was practically a curse word, a sin both whispered and loudly shouted. My environment made it clear that being gay was an abomination. The church reinforced that message, painting my very existence as a betrayal of God. The weight of that condemnation nearly crushed me.
It was just nine years ago that I publicly shared my truth—my coming out story. Being a PR professional, writing was an easier outlet to accurately express my feelings. So, I shared my coming out in an incredibly personal, intense and emotional blog.
While I was certain that my coming out was the hardest thing that would ever happen—and it was incredibly hard—the challenges were just beginning.
Following my blog post, my childhood pastor of 20 years shared (without approval) that I was going to hell, in front of the congregation of 900+ and broadcast live over Facebook and the internet.
That shook me to my core, but it catapulted me into the activism I embody today. Somewhere, deep inside, a spark refused to be extinguished. It was the spark of self-worth, the stubborn refusal to let others define me. It was the whisper of a different kind of faith – a faith in myself, in the possibility of love, and a life far bigger than the one I'd been taught to fear.
Rising Hateful Rhetoric
Now, in 2025, I see echoes of that personal struggle in our wider political landscape. We are witnessing the dismantling of LGBTQIA+ protections, restricting access to gender-affirming care and even erasing transgender identities from legal recognition. We're seeing a surge in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation, with a record number of bills targeting transgender people specifically. These bills range from banning gender-affirming care to restricting bathroom access and eliminating legal recognition of transgender identities.
For some, Pride is a party. For me, Pride isn't just a celebration; it's a defiant act of survival.
Why Pride Matters Now More Than Ever
That's why Pride Month is so vital. It's more than just rainbow flags and parades. It's a declaration that we are here, we are resilient and we will not be silent.
- Visibility as Resistance: For those of us who've been told to hide, to be visible is an act of rebellion. Pride is a chance to stand tall, to embrace our identities, and to say, "I am here, and I am not ashamed."
- Community as Strength: Pride is a reminder that we are not alone, that we have each other, and that together, we are stronger than any force that seeks to divide us.
- Honoring the Past, Fighting for the Future: Pride is rooted in protest and a tribute to the brave souls who fought for our rights at Stonewall and beyond. It's a reminder that progress is not inevitable, that we must continue to fight for a world where all LGBTQIA+ people can live with dignity and respect. It's a time to raise awareness about the injustices facing the LGBTQIA+ community, to mobilize for political action and to demand change.
- Community Building: Pride events create a sense of community and belonging, combating the isolation and alienation that many LGBTQIA+ people experience.
Taking Action During Pride and Beyond
Even when things seem bleak, remember that we have overcome incredible obstacles in the past. We will continue to fight, to love, and to build a better future for ourselves and for generations to come. Here's how we can keep hope alive:
- Share Your Story: Your story matters. Your voice matters. Don't be afraid to speak your truth, to inspire others and to create change.
- Find Your Community: Connect with other LGBTQIA+ people, build relationships and create a network of support.
- Educate, Advocate, Resist: Stay informed about the issues facing the LGBTQIA+ community, speak out against injustice and share that information with your friends, family, and colleagues.
- Contact Your Elected Officials: Let your representatives know that you support LGBTQIA+ equality and urge them to oppose discriminatory legislation.
- Support LGBTQIA+ Organizations: Donate to or volunteer with organizations that are working to advance LGBTQIA+ rights.
- Show Up and Speak Out: Attend protests, rallies and town hall meetings to make your voice heard.
A Call to Solidarity
Pride Month 2025 is a call to action, a time for everyone—LGBTQIA+ individuals and allies alike—to come together and fight for a more just and equitable world. It's a reminder that our journey is far from over. But it's also a celebration of our strength, our resilience and our unwavering hope. Let's walk forward, hand in hand, towards a world where love triumphs over hate and where every LGBTQIA+ person can live a life filled with joy, dignity and faith.
About the author: Joshua Tice brings more than a decade of experience in internal and external communications, public relations, event planning and fundraising with a history of working in the corporate, nonprofit and agency sectors. He specializes in healthcare and crisis communication. Additionally, he has produced and managed 70 weddings and large events around Ohio. He has expanded the awareness and reach of client's organizations by developing communications strategies and plans and executing events. Joshua is a board member for the central Ohio chapter of the Public Relations Society of America (PRSA). Joshua spends his free time with his husband, Jeffrey, at their home in Upper Arlington where they encourage others to give back to the communities and organizations in which they live, work, worship and volunteer.
