Although for some, Pride Month may seem like a celebration of rainbows and people in flamboyant attire, in reality, it is much more about visibility and representation. Ensuring that the community and its members are not forced into hiding or back into the closet and that society and future generations do not regress, becoming more intolerant and less accepting.

We fear what we do not know, so the more we and future generations learn about the community, the more we come together as societies and nations, focusing less on labels and more on community, sharing, fairness and mutual respect.

Let us examine an example of how something designed to be positive has been repurposed and portrayed in a negative light. Many right-wing and conservative media and politicians have purposely shortened Diversity, Equity and Inclusion down to the acronym DEI, because we you use the full term, opposing it sounds ridiculous.

Who can really oppose fairness, inclusion and representation? Equal and fair treatment for all those that make up our communities, which is effectively the meaning behind many of the policies; however, shortening it to DEI, rather than the full term, means the meaning can be changed. Although the policies may not always be effective, let us not forget that the objective is to create a fairer society.

The reality is that Pride Month remains as crucial as ever. The LGBTQIA+ movement for equality has been slowing for some time, and with more right-wing and conservative parties rising to power. We are starting to see the reversal and reintroduction of antiquated laws and policies around the world.

At the same time, some politicians are claiming that the community is pushing an agenda, an ideology, in reality, the only objective is that of being free from persecution, with fundamental human rights, such as to marry, to have a family and to have freedom. Rights and freedoms that should be given freely to everyone in society, and not be given based on political appetite or those hard fought, but are a fundamental right for everyone, everywhere around the world.

In a fair and free society, where everyone can be themselves, be attracted to, love, and identify as they choose, and one that has inclusive laws and policies, there would be less of a need for Pride Month; however, we are a long way from achieving that ideal.

The message is clear: to all those wanting to cancel Pride month, support human rights, give the community the same rights and freedoms as everyone else, not temporary, but permanently, as well as rights that are protected and not easily taken away, then the LGBTQIA+ movement would become redundant.