The Allusionist 12. Pride
Jun 3, 2015
Craig Schoonmaker, activist who coined and term 'Gay Pride' for the 1970 Christopher Street events. He recounts why he swapped 'Gay Power' for 'Gay Pride' to promote self-acceptance. He remembers police harassment around Stonewall, the orderly first march with chants of pride, and how the word and celebrations spread worldwide and shifted from protest to parade.
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Pride's Linguistic Turn After Stonewall
- 'Pride' historically meant bravery and pomp and also featured as a deadly sin.
- After Stonewall, pride took on a positive political meaning for LGBT liberation.
Pride Reframes Shame Into Self-Assertion
- The term Pride was chosen to replace shame and encourage self-assertion among gay people after Stonewall.
- Craig Schoonmaker framed 'Gay Pride' as accessible and empowering rather than a claim to power.
Choosing A Name For The First March
- Craig Schoonmaker recounts the Christopher Street Liberation Day Committee choosing a single label for the first annual march.
- He rejected 'Gay Power' and proposed 'Gay Pride' to make the movement personally empowering.