Some Incredible And Inspiring LGBTQ Quotes From History
People usually say that any photo is worth a thousand words. But a sentence worth a few words can have a lot of power. Over the years, Pride Month history has seen some key moments, such as the Stonewall riots. The community has experienced a lot of such moments during their struggles that emphasize their stories and pride. There are incredible and inspiring LGBTQ quotes that go into the depths of the community's collective psyche. They represent the pain as well as the hope of the collective individuals who have created the community. The other people celebrate how far the movement has come from the past. The globe now has leaders and firms operated by people from this community. It also shows how far the movement has still to go in the future. In this month of pride, everyone is waving the rainbow flag. With our article on the most inspiring LGBTQ quotes, we will celebrate a few of those moments that have as much worth as numerous photos.
A Moment of Gender Reassignment
Christine Jorgensen said, "Nature made a mistake, which I have corrected. I am now your daughter."
Nearly a century ago, Christine Jorgensen was born George William Jorgensen. She became the country's first citizen to undergo surgery to reassign her gender. She made this statement showing her pride in being part of the community in a letter to her parents in which she informed them about her transition. Truly one of the most inspiring LGBTQ quotes out there.
The First Openly Gay Politician Who Paid the Price
Harvey Milk said, "If you help elect more gay people, that gives the green light to all who feel disenfranchised, a green light to move forward. It means hope to a nation that has given up because if a gay person makes it, the doors are open to everyone."
Harvey Milk was the first person elected to public office in California to come out as gay in public. He was a major factor in the introduction of the rainbow flag that acts as a symbol around the world for the community to this day. He delivered these lines at the end of a speech celebrating Gay Freedom Day. This was done a few months after being elected to the Board of Supervisors in San Francisco. The man was assassinated later that same year. The events make this one of the most powerful LGBTQ quotes in history.
Speaking up Before it was Too Late
Audre Lorde said, "I was going to die, if not sooner, then later, whether or not I have ever spoken myself. My silence had not protected me. Your silence will not protect you."
Audre Lorde was a poet, a feminist, and a lesbian activist. About fifty years ago, her doctor informed her that she would need surgery for a malignant tumor in her breast. It was then she decided to acknowledge her mortality and identity about being a member of the LGBTQ community in public through her now-famous words. The tumor ended up being benign. But she was diagnosed with breast cancer a few years later. She lived with that disease for more than thirteen years. Following that, she died of liver cancer thirty years ago.
A Member Involved in the Black Lives Movement
Bayard Rustin said, "We need a group of angelic troublemakers in every community. Our power is in our ability to make things unworkable. The only weapon we have is our bodies. And we need to tuck them in places so wheels don't turn."
Bayard Rustin was a civil rights activist for the Black community. He was a gay leader who organized the march on Washington by Martin Luther King Jr. nearly sixty years ago. The quote shows his faith and belief in nonviolent resistance. This is something he had in common with many activists from this community.
The power of love
James Baldwin said, "Love him. Love him and let him love you. Do you think anything else under heaven really matters?"
LGBTQ quotes cannot be more profound than this one from a novel written by James Baldwin. It was written nearly seventy years ago by a literary icon and a gay Black activist. He was also the main inspiration behind a great documentary related to race that was released a few years ago. The quoted words have been spoken by Jacques, an older gay man. He says this to David, an American residing in France engaged to a female. The novel was created as the first-person account of David of his love affair with Giovanni, who was an Italian bartender. In this passage, Jacques tells David to pursue the romantic feelings that he has instead of giving in to the shame that is inflicted on gay people by a society that is homophobic.
Equality Through Music
Lil Nas X said, "I wanted to be even more authentic in my music and let people into my life. I'm much more confident now—in my music, my sexuality, the things that I believe I stand for."
Lil Nas X was a major player in the United States music industry when he released a superhit song as a country rap artist. He created further furor a few years later when he came out as being gay. Since then, he has been quite proud and vocal about his orientation. His words were spoken by him regarding authenticity and truth. It looks at a future when the community is not only permitted to be equal but celebrated and promoted for the diversity it brings to the world.
A Conservative Politician Who Was Liberal
Francis Maude said, "Enabling the recognition of committed relationships is perfectly consistent with the Conservative belief that commitment underpins society. We do not seek to change marriage but to spread it."
The words quoted above were said by the British Conservative politician Francis Maude. His brother was gay and had died after contracting HIV. The politician said these words during an interview in which he talked about marriage equality.
A Simple Act of Acceptance
Bea Arthur said, "Arthur, it doesn't matter whether I approve or disapprove. They are human beings. They exist. It's like asking me if I approve of dwarfs."
The lines were said by a character in a show played by Bea Arthur. She said this in an episode called the Gay Bar nearly fifty years ago. Her conservative neighbor Arthur asks her if she approves of the new gay bar that has opened up in their city. It is then that she retorts with the now-famous words. This quote shows kindness in a very simple act of acceptance and recognition.
Conclusion
There are a lot of ways to celebrate Pride Month right now. But you may require a refresher regarding the history of the community during the past century. These inspiring LGBTQ quotes will help you celebrate the community's march. Pride Month is usually associated with parties and parades. But it is also crucial to understand the history of the people involved with this nation's community and the challenges they had to endure to fight for this equality. You should take time to educate yourself by watching movies, listening to podcasts, and reading books pertaining to the community. It will be a great way to celebrate Pride Month. You can also think about these LGBTQ quotes that were said by prominent members of the community in the past and present. These quotes talk about everything from being yourself to coming out. Several popular individuals from this community have talked about their journey to self-acceptance, their relationships, and their families. You are going to feel inspired after you have read these things.
On a lighter note, the most inspiring LGBTQ quotes also make for great captions from Instagram. So, you can use these if you would like to celebrate this month with a supportive post. You can also try to learn more about pronouns and how to lend support to an acquaintance when they come out with their orientations.
