Hagerstown Pride 2019

2019 marks the 50th Anniversary of the Stonewall Riots starting June 28th, 1969. This is where the seeds were planted for Gay Pride Celebrations and the fight for gay rights nationally in the US. We here at Hagerstown Hopes feel strongly in recognizing the struggle the LGBTQIA+ community has faced in our history. Love Inspires!

In the 1970’s, the American Psychiatric Association removed Homosexuality from it’s list of psychiatric disorders, admitting it is not “a disease or mental problem”. Love Transforms

The 1980’s were a dark time in the LGBTQIA+ community with the rise of the AIDS epidemic. It takes most of the decade for those in power to admit there is an epidemic and something must be done. Rock Hudson comes out with the disease and brings it into the light for many people. Gay culture sees a raise in pop culture and more visibility to much of America. Love Endures

The 1990’s sees much research and investment in the advancement of fighting the AIDS epidemic, in many way thanks to President Clinton. By the end of the decade, advancements are miraculous and a diagnosis of HIV/AIDS is no longer a death sentence. This is also the decade in which Matthew Shepherd was brutally beaten and left to die, and James Byrd Jr was tortured and killed, bringing to light that there needs to be something done legally against Hate Crimes. Love Persist

2000-2010 was a great new Hope for the LGBTQIA+ community,  with the election of President Barack Obama. The first part of the decade saw the fight for Hate Crimes and gay right pushed to the back burner, but with the new President in 2008, our future began to look brighter! The fight for marriage equality and the repeal of Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell begins. Love Wins

Here we are today, coming so far since the humble first seeds planted in 1969. We have the right to marry recognized by the federal government. We have the Hate Crime Bill, making it that crimes against minorities is “just boys being boys”, and a more serious crime to discriminate. We have trans protection laws, that are recently in jeopardy. We have come so far, but still have a long way to go. The love and support of our allies, in and out of government, will continue to see us through the dark times, and continue to sprout forth new gains for our community. It will take nurturing and care, just like any thing in life that is worth it. In our hearts, we have to believe, that continually…..LOVE GROWS!!!!

We invite you to continue and celebrate the growth of love at our 8th Annual Hagerstown Pride Festival on July 13th, 2019, at Hagerstown’s Central Lot from Noon until 6pm.

Please check our Facebook and Pride webpage for more information on becoming a vendor or sponsor of our event. We will also be releasing our entertainers over the coming weeks via these sites.