Propaganda We’re Not Falling For This Pride

Propaganda We’re Not Falling For This Pride

Pride month brings vital visibility, but it also brings out some tired old myths about what it means to be LGBTQIA+. Whether it's misconceptions about queer relationships, identity, or sexuality itself, there's still work to be done in separating fact from fiction. Join team HANX as we tackle the tiresome and even harmful assumptions that keep cropping up and celebrate the full spectrum of queer existence…

1. “Bisexuality is a phase”.

Nope. Bisexuality, especially in cis women, is often seen as a transitory or temporary period. Nope. Bisexuality is absolutely valid and not necessarily a stopping point on an eventual journey to being heterosexual or homosexual.

2. “Your relationship defines your sexuality”.

In the same way, you can still be bisexual if you’re in a relationship with, or even married, to the opposite sex.

3. “Bisexuals are greedy”.

If you’re a beautiful bi babe, you’ll probably have heard that your partner/s is ‘brave’ for dating you or that you can never be truly happy in a monogamous setup. The implication that bisexual people are greedy and promiscuous persists.

4. “Partying is the only way to celebrate Pride”.

It’s okay if crowds, parades or public celebrations aren’t your thing. Pride is and should be inclusive of everyone in the LGBTQIA+ community. Here are some alternatives to hitting the streets that can be equally fun and meaningful:

• • Watching movies which showcase real, nuanced queer voices and stories. Looking for something different? BFI Flare, the London LGBTQIA+ film festival, has a curated selection of coming of age, coming out and beyond stories online.

  • Craft has long been a tool for queer resistance and celebration. Take up stitching, knitting, painting or zine-making. Top tip: Slipstitch in London hosts queer and trans craft nights, whilst queer feminist book shop Pen Fight in Manchester is the perfect place to get inspo for turning your thoughts into a handmade mini zine.

  • Support queer-owned businesses by spending your cash with them. For starters, we love picking up coffee at We Are Here in Margate, pastries and sarnies from Finks in London and catching up with friends over pink hot chocs at Feel Good Club in Manchester.

  • Bumping music created by queer and trans folk. We’re listening to Hayley Kiyoko, Martha, Janelle Monae, Mannequin Pussy and MUNA.

  • Reading books where queer existence is beautifully woven into the plot, rather than being the sole focus of the story. We loved Julia Armfield’s Private Rites.

  • Learning the stories of LGBTQIA+ folk across the world with Queering the Map
    
    

5. “The fight is over.”

With activists such as Marsha P. Johnson remembered for their bravery and determination to advocate for LGBTQ+ rights and liberation, Pride emerged as a protest. Despite the fun and flags, there are still many pressing reasons to keep protest at the core of Pride - in fact, the UK recently plummeted down LGBTIA+ rights rankings in Europe. We must come together in solidarity, digitally or in person, to challenge anti-trans rhetoric, restricted access to healthcare, hate crime and discrimination.

6. “You have to be out to celebrate Pride.”

There are many reasons why your sexuality and/or gender isn’t something you want to share. Your personal journey, feelings and identity is yours - and you call the shots on who gets to know about it.

7. “Pride is flaunting sexuality.”

Visible representation is important. LGBTQIA+ pleasure is still policed and sanitised in mainstream media and culture, thanks to pervasive prejudice. Some rainbows are accepted, This is known as queer erasure. Straight society tends to sanitise queer sexuality because it challenges the traditional ideas they might be used to about relationships and gender roles. By toning down or cleaning up queer representation, it becomes easier for mainstream audiences to accept without having to question their own assumptions or deal with anything that feels too different or threatening. It's basically a way of making queerness "safe" for straight consumption, even though that often means losing a lot of what makes it authentic and meaningful. This is known as queer erasure. So, remember this weekend that, yes, queer folk like sex, too. And yes, some of those marching in London’s Pride parade just happen to be on all fours in leather pup gear…

8. “Pride is just an excuse for a big party.”

For so many of us, Pride is a powerful opportunity to show up, celebrate and remember. For all the times we’ve danced in the street, we’ve also shed a tear for those who came before us, those who couldn’t openly be themselves, those who were (and are) persecuted for their gender and sexuality. In a world where existence is threatened, it is powerful to see queer beauty and strength loud and proud on the streets.

Want more?

• Learn from Jecca Blac Founder why year-round solidarity is so important. Read on.

• Gay’s The Word. Join us to head inside London’s iconic queer bookshop.