Two Powerful Themes for Pride Month: Solidarity and Progress

By: Dr. Denise Renye

Happy Pride! I love this time of year because it’s a pleasure to see so many people who are out and proud being celebrated. It’s one of the things I love about being a Bay Area sex therapist – that I’m privileged to work with so many folx across the sexual orientation, expression and identification spectrum.. While there is much to celebrate during Pride, and the displays of love and unity are infectious, there are also some very real issues the community continues to face. While solidarity and progress are at the fore this month in particular, the shadow is still alive and well…namely, discrimination, fear, and hatred.

I attended two Pride events recently that share profound narratives of solidarity, acceptance, and the transformative power of empathy and compassion. Both events centered around art and while distinct, they each illustrated the impact of LGBTQIA+ activism and allyship.

Where I live, the movie Pride (2014) was shown by CAFILM in partnership with the National AIDS Memorial Grove. It’s set in the U.K. during 1984, a time of significant socio-political upheaval. It recounts the true story of a group of gay and lesbian activists who formed the Lesbians and Gays Support the Miners (LGSM) group in support of striking coal miners in Wales.

The alliance was initially met with skepticism and hostility by the miners but eventually blossomed into a powerful testament to human solidarity. The film showcases how two seemingly disparate communities transcended prejudices and united. The “how” includes the struggles and triumphs of the LGSM as well as the miners who were steeped in fear. The unlikely partnership highlights the universal desire for dignity and respect and shows what’s possible when people work together.

The other event was a local production of “Kinky Boots,” performed in an amphitheater on Mount Tam against the backdrop of the Bay. Also inspired by true events, the show portrays the pairing of Charlie Price, a struggling shoe factory owner in London, and Lola, a flamboyant drag queen. Together, they revitalize the factory by producing custom footwear for drag performers.

The show delves into themes of acceptance, identity, and the breakdown of societal norms (e.g., that men can’t wear heels, which they absolutely can). “Kinky Boots” shows how some of the factory workers struggled to feel empathy and compassion for Lola and her dancers, but eventually, their hearts softened and they learned they had common ground. Like Pride, the show underscores the significance of embracing differences and finding commonality to overcome adversity.

Both artistic productions offer rich insights into the intersections of sexuality, identity, class, and social justice. They showcase the importance of visibility and representation in fostering understanding and reducing stigma. These narratives highlight how solidarity and empathy can bridge gaps between diverse groups and encourage a more inclusive society. This is something I care deeply about in my personal life and work as a Bay Area sex therapist because I subscribe to the philosophy touted by the Aboriginal Rights group from Queensland, Australia, “If you have come here to help me, you are wasting your time. But if you have come because your liberation is bound up with mine, then let us work together.”

Pride and “Kinky Boots” demonstrate how everyone’s liberation is bound up with everyone else’s because the fight for LGBTQIA+ rights is intertwined with broader struggles for social justice and economic democracy. Celebrating Pride means honoring alliances and the progress achieved. It also means acknowledging the ongoing challenges and continuing to advocate for equality and acceptance for all people.

What makes these two stories so touching is they champion the themes of unity and resilience in the most unlikely circumstances. They show how prejudice can be overcome and new alliances formed. They demonstrate the progress that has been made and the work still to be done in creating a more inclusive world for all.

To work together or to share your experiences, contact me.