A time of reflection and remembrance of those we have lost
Today, June 28, is the 52nd anniversary of the Stonewall riots of 1969. A revolution for the LGBTQ community, a fight for human rights, equality and gay liberation. The expression of pride in same-sex relationships began to take form and the brave souls willing to be the voice paving the way for those to come. A year later, the first Pride marches took place in New York, LA and San Fransisco.
I’ve experienced what a Chicago Pride weekend looks like living a few blocks down from Boystown (recently renamed to North Halsted), and seeing a community come together like this is something else. Market Days, a street festival in the same neighborhood, draws 100,000 people.
Just a couple weekends ago, I was in Orlando for my sister’s bachelorette weekend. I planned for us to go to a drag brunch. It was a huge hit with everyone, there was singing, dancing, comedy, dollar bills, crowd engagement, what a great show. Shout out to Hamburger Mary’s in Orlando!! For a lot of the girls in the bachelorette party, it was a first seeing a drag queen show.
Before I could head over to brunch, my god sister and I got had to drop off a rental car and get a ride from the airport. And I mean it when I say this Lyft ride was honestly one of the best parts of my trip to Florida. I find Robert in his rhinestoned car with pink eye-lashed headlights, after being lost. We talked the entire 30 minute drive. They shared the coolest and wildest ride story of picking up the one and only, legendary Ru Paul. What a star struck moment.
Two years ago, I will admit I did not know much about drag. I was friendly with a classmate that did drag and have been to Kit Kat Lounge during a show in Chicago, but there is a whole world of rich culture behind it that I didn’t know about. Ru Paul and his show Ru Paul’s Drag Race really opened the doors for SOO many people in different ways.
Somewhere in the conversation with Robert, they mentioned how “today” was the 5 year anniversary for Pulse Nightclub, where 49 victims lost their lives to an act of hate. I couldn’t believe I was heading over to the neighborhood where Pulse was less than 2 miles away.
Reflecting on such an act and all the victims that lost their lives. The families that discovered the reality of losing a child. Those that outlived their friends and witness them being killed before them, praying and begging that they would be spared.
Remembering that morning after the shooting and facing the reality that the largest mass shooting in the US up to that point had occurred the night before. Why did this happen? Who would be next? Matt and I had tickets for Spring Awakening, a three day festival in Chicago, and getting through security was no joke. And to this day it is still is the largest attack on the LGBTQ community. The largest mass shooting title was taken a year later in Las Vegas 2017.
The month of June is a time to reflect on those that have lost their lives to neglect within the community. A time to asses the change that still needs to happen and how do we get there as a community. “You must have the hope that change can happen” – Robert from Orlando.
A reminder to those who are struggling, you are not alone. There are people out there that love you. You can get out of where you are and discover that those parts of yourself can lead to the biggest joy of your life. Don’t give up.
To Alejandro: Special and kind soul, I hope you find the peace you were looking for. The memories of your singing and the good times are kept close to our hearts. You are forever loved.
Jane Theory 