PRIDE—A Season of Change
To borrow from the inimitable words of Ethel Merman, in springtime, “everything’s coming up roses and daffodils.” But there’s also the splendid emergence of rainbows in June during Pride season.
You can’t miss it. Because almost anywhere you go, the colors of the rainbow appear on store merchandise, window displays at local businesses, and on public transportation—like the recently-debuted rainbow-wrapped Metro trains and buses in Washington, DC. Even LEGO launched its first LGBTQ-themed set in 2021; it comes with 11 monochromatic figures, each with an assigned color, and its 346 pieces create a rainbow cascade.
Local public officials also join the bandwagon, including Rehoboth Beach’s mayor Stan Mills and Delaware Governor John Carney, who recently signed proclamations recognizing June as Pride Month. While largely ceremonial, these public acts are reminders that we live in a state where our local elected officials are committed to ensuring and protecting LGBTQ+ equality.
Unfortunately, the same cannot be said for those who live in states like Florida and Montana, where extremist politicians have successfully passed new legislation that criminalizes inclusion of LGBTQ+ issues in school curricula, bans public drag performances where minors are present (including at bars and Pride festivals), and requires transgender people to use a bathroom that corresponds to their gender assigned at birth.
According to data reported by the Human Rights Campaign, this anti-LGBTQ+ sentiment is growing at an alarming pace. As of May 2, over 540 anti-LGBTQ+ bills have been introduced in state legislatures, with 220 bills specifically targeting transgender and non-binary people. This has resulted in 45 anti-LGBTQ+ laws being enacted so far this year.
Fearing legal repercussions ranging from fines to revoking an establishment’s liquor license, Tampa announced it was cancelling its annual Pride on the River event altogether. In other cities, like Wilton Manors, they are refusing to prevent drag performers from participating in their events. But they must make adjustments like limiting access to those ages 21 and over at certain events in order to comply with all applicable federal, state, county, and municipal regulations.
Not surprisingly, voices within these communities reacted negatively to both approaches, saying these leaders failed to fight against this attack on hard-fought constitutional rights and freedoms by making any compromise.
A similar situation is arising in corporate America as conservative media outlets have been calling for boycotts against companies that promote LGBTQ+ visibility and equality. Citing safety concerns for employees after Pride displays were knocked down in some stores and shoppers made threats on social media using videos taken in stores, Target announced it was removing some Pride-themed products from stores and in some cases moving these displays to the back of the store.
When Anheuser Busch decided to feature transgender TikTok celebrity Dylan Mulvaney on a special edition of its Bud Light cans, a very vocal number of right-wing consumers sparked a nationwide boycott of the company’s brands for “going woke.” CEO Brendan Whitworth released a tepid statement, saying in part that he is “responsible for ensuring every consumer feels proud of the beer we brew” and the company “never intended to be part of a discussion that divides people” by featuring Mulvaney in a marketing campaign. You can probably guess that yet again, both sides were not satisfied with responses from two companies widely recognized as best places to work for LGBTQ+ people.
What these leaders fail to understand is that creating diverse, equitable, and inclusive communities, workplaces, and marketplaces is an intentional act. Building trust and credibility with stakeholders is not possible when organizations selectively and inconsistently make decisions aligned with their values and stated commitments to equity and equality.
We at CAMP Rehoboth know something about the importance of staying true to your mission. Since its inception, CAMP Rehoboth has been dedicated to creating a positive environment inclusive of all sexual orientations and gender identities in Rehoboth Beach and its related communities. Thanks to your support, we will remain laser-focused, promoting cooperation and understanding among all people, as we continue our work to build a safer community with room for all. Our collective futures depend on it.
In this season of Pride, be kind to one another and be safe.▼
Wesley Combs is CAMP Rehoboth Board President.