Photo by @PNWmf

The history of Pride month being in June is tied to the protests that happened at Manhattan’s Stonewall Inn in 1969. Over the years, protests and riots have turned into parades and celebrations, which is what we wanted to share in with the 100+ flags in the ECS section.

However, it is increasingly clear that the rights of the LGBTQIAP+ community that have been fought so hard for are being targeted by both lawmakers and less progressive communities, with a primary emphasis aimed at transgender people, especially our youth.

So while we wanted to celebrate the LGBTQIAP+ community and the diversity within that community, we also wanted to share the reminder that not all wins are easy - sometimes they need a little extra support.

In the flag celebration in the section, we started with the common Progress Pride flags and then added many identity flags mixed in. Included were flags representing the transgender community, aromantic community, asexual community, bisexual community, lesbian community, non-binary community, demisexual community, and pansexual community. While the widely used Pride flags are meant to be inclusive of the different identities, flying additional flags are a reminder that we aren’t all represented by one symbol or piece of fabric. We are individual and unique in every community that we enter.

You are welcome as you are in the Emerald City Supporters. We will support the boys on the pitch alongside each other and we will support our LQBTQIAP+ members and family in your fight for equality.

Photo from @SoundersFC on twitter