by Johnathan Miller, CEO, Creative Director and Principal Designer, JSquared Interior Staging and Design, Distinguished Lifestyle and Design Expert, National Home Staging Expert, and Media Personality, IAHSP® Contributor
(L-R) Johnathan and Jon Miller, JSquared VA
June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate and honor the diversity within the LGBTQIA+ community. It is a period that reflects a broader commitment to equality and inclusion, encompassing not just gay individuals, but the entire spectrum of sexual orientations and gender identities. Pride Month is about recognizing and appreciating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual, and other non-heteronormative identities.
The Evolution of Pride
Pride Month has its roots in the struggle for gay rights, beginning with the Stonewall Riots in June 1969. The riots were a series of spontaneous demonstrations by members of the LGBTQIA+ community in response to a police raid at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. This event is widely considered the catalyst for the modern LGBTQIA+ rights movement.
In the early days, the focus was primarily on gay rights. However, as the movement grew, it became clear that the LGBTQIA+ community was much more diverse. Over time, Pride Month has evolved to include all members of the LGBTQIA+ spectrum, reflecting a broader commitment to equality and inclusion. Today, it is not just about celebrating gay pride but about recognizing the contributions and struggles of all LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Acknowledging the Struggles
The history of the LGBTQIA+ community is marked by significant struggles, both internal and external. In the early days, there was some transphobia among gay individuals, and racial tensions were exacerbated by the AIDS crisis. The AIDS epidemic, which began in the early 1980s, disproportionately affected gay men, leading to widespread fear and discrimination. This period also highlighted the racial disparities within the community, as black gay men and other minorities faced even greater challenges in accessing healthcare and support.
Overcoming these internal divisions has been a significant part of the journey toward greater unity and acceptance. The LGBTQIA+ community has worked hard to address and dismantle transphobia and racism within its ranks, striving for a more inclusive and supportive environment for all its members.
Celebrating Our Shared Humanity
Today, Pride Month is about celebrating our shared humanity and the progress we've made in accepting and understanding one another, regardless of sex, gender, or sexual orientation. Using the term "Pride Month" is both correct and reflective of the inclusive spirit of the celebration. It acknowledges the diversity within the community and honors the contributions of all its members.
The Role of Allies
It's also important to recognize that Pride Month celebrates allies—our friends, family, and community members who support and advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights. Allies play a crucial role in fostering inclusive and accepting environments. They stand up against discrimination, educate others about LGBTQIA+ issues, and promote acceptance and understanding.
For example, organizations like the International Association of Home Staging Professionals (IAHSP®) have shown significant support for the LGBTQIA+ community. Founded by women for an industry that primarily includes women and gay men, IAHSP has faced numerous challenges in being taken seriously. In a patriarchal world, they have often fought against sexism to establish their legitimacy and importance within the real estate industry.
Women in business have always had to fight for a place at the table. Historically, women have been marginalized and their contributions undervalued, often having to work twice as hard to earn the same respect and recognition as their male counterparts. The real estate staging industry is no different. Women, particularly those in leadership roles, have had to overcome significant barriers to prove their worth and capabilities.
Their journey mirrors that of the LGBTQIA+ community in many ways—both groups have fought against discrimination and worked tirelessly to create spaces where they can thrive and be themselves without fear. The strength and resilience of these women serve as an inspiration, demonstrating that with determination and unity, it is possible to challenge and change the status quo.
Did you know that IAHSP® Chairwoman Jennie Norris has been an ally and advocate for gay rights for years? Long before the inception of IAHSP®, Jennie found herself living in a state that was trying to regulate who should be married, and she voted against legislation intent on preventing gays from having the same rights as heterosexual couples. She believed gay couples should be able to advocate for their partners, medical decisions, financial, and life and it is not the job of the government to tell people who they can love. While living in California during a period of significant progress, Jennie participated in protests to fight for equality and advancement. Her unwavering commitment to equality and justice has helped pave the way for a more inclusive and accepting industry and society. Jennie's advocacy and boldness in speaking her mind may sometimes be viewed as overly opinionated, but these traits underscore her dedication to fighting for what is right. She will no doubt continue this fight long after, reinforcing her positive character and enduring commitment to equality.
Allies like IAHSP® help amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and contribute to positive social change, creating a more inclusive society for everyone. Their support is vital in the ongoing fight for equality and acceptance.
Attitudes Toward LGBTQ People
Reflecting on the findings from GLAAD’s 2023 Accelerating Acceptance Report, it’s clear that there is strong support for LGBTQ rights among non-LGBTQ Americans. The report, which surveyed more than 2,500 American adults, found that:
- A 91 percent supermajority of non-LGBTQ Americans agree that LGBTQ people should have the freedom to live their lives and not be discriminated against.
- 76 percent of non-LGBTQ adults are comfortable having a transgender person at their place of worship.
Despite this overwhelming support, a vocal minority continues to attack LGBTQ rights, using political means to marginalize and discriminate against the community. This underscores the importance of taking a stand this Pride Month.
Take a Stand This Pride Month
Over this next month, the LGBTQ+ community and allies — including many in the real estate industry — have a powerful opportunity to show up and demonstrate that LGBTQ+ people are just people. I urge my LGBTQ+ colleagues, whether you are a member of IAHSP or not, to show up this Pride season and support the LGBTQ+ friends who have undoubtedly supported you in some capacity.
Participate in your local events and increase our strength in numbers. Let’s all work to empower the more than 20 percent of Gen Zers who self-identify as LGBTQIA+. They are our future and need to know we’ve got their back.
By understanding and appreciating the history and evolution of Pride Month, we can all contribute to a more inclusive and accepting world. Let's celebrate this month with pride and honor the diverse voices within the LGBTQIA+ community.
Bibliography
1. Katz, Jonathan Ned. Gay American History: Lesbians and Gay Men in the U.S.A. New York: Thomas Y. Crowell, 1976.
2. Duberman, Martin. Stonewall. New York: Penguin Books, 1993.
3. Shilts, Randy. And the Band Played On: Politics, People, and the AIDS Epidemic. New York: St. Martin's Press, 1987.
4. Hurewitz, Daniel. Stepping Out: Nine Tours Through New York City's Gay and Lesbian Past. New York: Henry Holt and Company, 1997.
5. McGarry, Molly, and Fred Wasserman. Becoming Visible: An Illustrated History of Lesbian and Gay Life in Twentieth-Century America. New York: Penguin Studio, 1998.
6. GLAAD. (2023). Accelerating Acceptance Report. Retrieved from [GLAAD's Accelerating Acceptance Report](https://www.glaad.org/acceleratingacceptance-2023)
7. Inman. (2024). This Pride Month, Show Up for LGBTQ Friends and Colleagues. Retrieved from [Inman](https://www.inman.com/2024/06/03/this-pride-month-show-up-for-lgbtq-friends-and-colleagues/amp/)
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