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Opinion: Pride 2025 is a call to action amid growing political backlash

This year, it is important to remember that the Pride movement is rooted in activism as well as celebration

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"However, an overall shift against LGBTQ+ rights has changed the meaning of the month this year."

Pride Month in 2025 is being celebrated in a more muted fashion, with less sparkle and diminished corporate fanfare. While queer joy is still at the forefront, the current political climate has created somber skies that demand more courage and a renewed commitment to solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

In recent years, Pride Month — a joyful time defined by parades and huge displays of rainbow-hued branding — has stood as a symbol of the ideal, "love is love." Colorful celebrations take place during this month like clockwork, serving to bring the LGBTQ+ community and its allies together.

However, an overall shift against LGBTQ+ rights has changed the meaning of the month this year.

A troubling rise of anti-LGBTQ+ legislation, especially in recent months, has targeted the community — specifically transgender youth — with actions such as book bans, bathroom restrictions and efforts to criminalize gender-affirming care.

These measures not only seek to attack LGBTQ+ individuals, but to legislate them out of public existence entirely. As a result, online misinformation has increased along with harassment, even as LGBTQ+ representation in media and everyday life continues to grow.

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In this year's political climate, Pride is returning to its roots and requiring something more meaningful from its supporters, something that goes beyond mere words. It's asking them to intervene and actively help those who are being targeted, to vote against those who weaponize identity for political gain and for allies to refrain from retreating to their comfort zones when conversations about LGBTQ+ people are taking place.

It's time for allies to ask themselves tough questions: Who is being silenced right now? Who needs the most protection in their everyday life? Am I being supportive when it's convenient, or when it's uncomfortable, too?

In solidarity, neither allies nor LGBTQ+ individuals should disregard issues that impact vulnerable marginalized members, especially Black transgender individuals. This group experiences violence at a much higher rate than others, generally has fewer employment opportunities and often has their stories erased.

Yet, it was trans activists of color who turned the tide of the LGBTQ+ rights movement by leading historic revolutions, including the Stonewall riots in 1969. Without them, Pride would not be as we know it today.

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That history plays a fundamental role in understanding Pride. The movement was never meant to be apolitical, but rather as resistance against public indifference and systemic neglect.

It is not only important for people to be seen at Pride events this year, but also for them to be heard — especially when electing representatives and policymakers who make decisions that impact LGBTQ+ individuals.

Pride is still a party in 2025, but it is being celebrated differently. We can continue to gather in joy, which is a form of resistance in itself. However, we must pair this joy with a sense of justice and remember the foundation of the movement.

In order to defend the rainbow flag that represents love and acceptance for so many people, activism must lead the way — both this month and in the Pride Months to come.

Editor's note: The opinions presented in this column are the author's and do not imply any endorsement from The State Press or its editors.

Edited by Carsten Oyer, Leah Mesquita, Tiya Talwar and Pippa Fung.


Reach the reporter at jhowel42@asu.edu and follow @jamesremhowell on X. 

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