Today, June 28th, 2019 marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Riots.
As most of us know by now, Pride Month grew from the Stonewall Riots, a protest in response to harassment by police in Greenwich Village. Civil rights activists have accomplished the most incredible work in our culture, and simultaneously demonstrate how much more work we need to do. We all need to understand the pressures that trailblazers endure to support their work.
When Pride celebrations began the year following Stonewall and for years after, the only safe spaces the LGBTQ+ community could find were in bars. Fortunately, the movement has created more safe spaces — but of course, still not enough. Pride Month seeks to focus on joy — without losing awareness of the pain the LGBTQ+ community continues to suffer. The life expectancy for a Black trans woman is between 30 – 35 years old, according to a report by the UNC School of Medicine.
Unfortunately, the alcohol industry pushes itself on Pride celebrations, isolating the important intersection of those who have experienced addiction — many of whom already struggle with feelings of isolation. And being a lawyer is another risk factor for isolation — it’s the loneliest of all professions.
As a sober or sober curious person, finding the right support and connection is critical. The Temper — a recovery community — shares 6 quick tips on celebrating Pride sober. And VICE produced lengthier similar advice. For Pride 2020, the Temper published a new piece on How to Celebrate PRIDE Without Alcohol (During and After the Pandemic).
Finally, most of our tips to stay sober through the holidays apply during any celebration. And lawyers and law students in Massachusetts can schedule a FREE and CONFIDENTIAL consultation with one of our licensed clinicians — More on scheduling here.
Related:
Monument Group: Navigating Sobriety or Moderation in the LGBTQIA+ Community
Sobriety in a New Year: Shari Hampton on Book Recommendations & Healing Racism in Recovery
