Celebrating Channel Islands Pride 2024
Pride Month is a, month-long celebration dedicated to the LGBTQ+ community, commemorating their history, struggles, and achievements. The origins of Pride trace back to the United States in 1969, following the Stonewall riots—a series of pivotal protests that ignited the gay liberation movement.
Contributors
Diversity & Inclusion Committee
Channel Islands
The Stonewall riots began on the 28th June 1969, when the NYPD raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. The raid sparked a series of riots by the LGBTQ+ community, who were fed up with the constant harassment and discrimination they faced. These riots marked a significant turning point, transforming the fight for gay rights into a widespread movement.
In June 1970, the first Pride marches were held in New York, Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Chicago to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. These marches aimed to continue pushing for the liberation and rights of the LGBTQ+ community. They were a huge success with turn outs of over 3,000 to 5,000 people.
Pride Around the World
Since the success of the Pride Marches in the USA, Pride celebrations have spread globally, with events taking place in various places across all months. These celebrations often include parades, festivals, and educational events, all aimed at promoting LGBTQ+ rights and visibility.
Channel Islands Pride
In the Channel Islands, Pride is celebrated in September.
The creation of Channel Islands Pride was rooted in the fight for same-sex marriage laws. The first Pride event in Jersey took place in 2015, followed by Guernsey in 2016. Since then, the islands have taken turns hosting the event, fostering a sense of community and solidarity. Same sex marriage was then made legal in May 2017 in Guernsey and July 2018 in Jersey.
Channel Islands Pride has grown to become a significant event, featuring parades, performances, and various activities that celebrate diversity and promote equality. It serves as a reminder of the ongoing struggle for LGBTQ+ rights and the importance of standing together in solidarity.
We spoke to some of our colleagues in the Challenge Islands, who form part of the movement for their insight:
“As allies we stand with the LGBTQ+ community, advocating for justice, celebrating love, diversity, and equality. Pride is a great platform for raising awareness about LGBTQ+ rights and a powerful celebration of identity and progress whilst continuing to push for a more equal world. Everyone deserves to feel safe and free to express themselves.”
— Zoe Harris - Langham Hall Guernsey
“Pride holds deep significance, carrying an important message for all communities, regardless of gender, political views, sexual orientation, or religion. Pride represents the ongoing fight for peace and love. While the Channel Islands may enjoy certain privileges, we often forget why Pride is still celebrated. We must remember that these privileges are the result of a long and difficult battle. Many countries around the world do not share this same freedom.
We are still far from achieving full equality, even here in the Channel Islands. In some parts of the world, simply being who I am could cost me my life or result in imprisonment. In 64 countries, it’s considered a crime. In 12 countries, I could face the death penalty. Meanwhile, only 32 countries have legalised same-sex marriage, and just 4 have banned conversion therapy.
So, let’s celebrate the freedom to be ourselves and show the world that love is love. Let’s continue to embrace tolerance, respect, and acceptance for one another.”
— Colleague - Langham Hall Jersey
