Having heard a lot about ChatGPT (an artificial intelligence [AI] chatbot), CAMP Rehoboth wanted to discover what ChatGPT knows about Pride and Pride-related arts and artists. We were delighted to learn it knows quite a lot!
How do you celebrate Pride Month?
As an AI language model, I don’t have personal experiences or physical presence, so I can’t celebrate Pride Month in the same way that individuals do. However, I can certainly provide information, support, and resources related to LGBTQ+ topics and help spread awareness about the significance of Pride Month.
Are you getting a lot of questions about Pride Month?
Yes. During the month of June, it is common for people to inquire about Pride Month. It is an important and widely recognized celebration that honors the LGBTQ+ community, and people often seek information related to Pride Month events, history, LGBTQ+ rights, and related topics. I’m here to provide any assistance I can.
This being an Arts column, maybe you can help us compile a list of iconic artistic endeavors exemplifying Pride? [Responses have been edited for length.]
As an AI language model, I don’t have real-time access to current events or the ability to browse the internet. My knowledge is based on information available up until September 2021, so there may have been new events that have since become iconic within the LGBTQ+ Pride movement. That said:
Visual arts: One of the most iconic and widely recognized pieces of visual art that best exemplifies the spirit of Pride is the rainbow flag, created by artist and activist Gilbert Baker in 1978.
Piece of music: A piece of music that often evokes a sense of pride and celebration within the LGBTQ+ community is “Born This Way” by Lady Gaga. Released in 2011, this song became an anthem for self-acceptance and embracing one’s true identity. Its empowering lyrics and catchy melody encourage people to celebrate their individuality and embrace their unique qualities.
Dance: A dance that is closely associated with Pride events is the “Vogue” or “Voguing.” Voguing originated in the 1980s in the LGBTQ+ ballroom culture of New York City, specifically within the African American and Latino LGBTQ+ communities. It gained wider recognition through Madonna’s 1990 hit song “Vogue” and its accompanying music video.
Voguing has since become a popular dance form associated with Pride events, where individuals can showcase their talent, creativity, and pride through voguing battles and performances. Voguing is not only a dance style but also a form of cultural expression and affirmation of identity within the LGBTQ+ community.
Plays and musicals: There are several plays and musicals that exemplify and celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and Gay Pride. Here are a few notable examples: The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer; Rent by Jonathan Larson; Angels in America by Tony Kushner; and Hedwig and the Angry Inch by John Cameron Mitchell and Stephen Trask.
Sculptures: There are several sculptures that are associated with or inspired by LGBTQ+ pride and the broader LGBTQ+ community. One notable example is the LOVE sculpture by Robert Indiana, which has become an iconic symbol of love and acceptance. While not explicitly associated with gay Pride, the sculpture’s message of love and inclusivity resonates strongly with the LGBTQ+ community.
New York City has the Gay Liberation sculpture by George Segal, which commemorates the Stonewall Riots and serves as a symbol of LGBTQ+ rights; similarly, San Francisco has the Harvey Milk Memorial sculpture by local artist Rob Firmin, honoring the LGBTQ+ rights activist Harvey Milk.
Photographs: There are several iconic photographs associated with the LGBTQ+ Pride movement. Some of these include the images captured during the 1969 Stonewall Riots in New York City; photographs featuring the Pride flag; and photos of the White House lit up in rainbow colors in 2015, when the United States Supreme Court legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
Literature: There are many books and poems that have contributed to LGBTQ+ literature and pride. Here are a few; each has its own unique perspective on identity, love, and the struggles faced by the LGBTQ+ community, making them important and cherished pieces of literature: Stone Butch Blues by Leslie Feinberg; Giovanni’s Room by James Baldwin; Orlando by Virginia Woolf; Howl by Allen Ginsberg; and The Well of Loneliness by Radclyffe Hall.
Any last thoughts on Pride you’d like to share?
Certainly! Pride is not limited to a single month or event. It’s a continuous journey of self-acceptance, support, and advocacy. Let’s embrace and celebrate Pride throughout the year, working together to create a more inclusive and accepting world for everyone. ▼