No Pride in Genocide!

This month, we remember our queer lineages. We remember that pride began with a riot. We remember how our queer ancestors and elders fought to protect the spaces we’ve cultivated for ourselves. We bring that history of resistance to say No Pride in Genocide.

It has been 9 months since Israel began its brutal assault on Gaza, killing over 40,000 Palestinians, and displacing over 2 million Palestinians – including the lives of queer and trans Palestinians [1, 2]. Yet, national LGBT+ organizations ignore the ongoing genocidal attacks, working with weapons manufacturer Northrop Grumman [3]. 

To honor the radical roots of resistance during Pride month means we must continue to call out corporations who ignore the ongoing genocide; we must call out pinkwashing and homonationalism. We must continue to say Free Palestine! 

Read the story behind the art from artist and 18MR Comms Designer Brenda Chi: 

“The main figures represent our community: We're here for each other. When I think about our LGBTQIA+ community, we are often family to each other, allowing us to be vulnerable and get support. With the genocide in Palestine, this is a moment where our Palestinian family need our help, the way we all need family and friends to be there when we're in deep fear, grief and pain. We are here for them and we fight for them.”

From Queering the Map, a queer Palestinian writes: “Pls know despite what the media says there are gay Palestinians. We are here, we are queer. Free Palestine.”

[1] Gaza's death toll now exceeds 30,000. Here's why it's an incomplete count

[2] Nowhere Safe in Gaza

[3] LGBTQ+ Protestors Call Out Human Rights Campaign’s Ties to Weapons Manufacturer