Community

The Island of Us
When the boat docked at the edge of the island, Kai felt the familiar buzz of anxiety wrap around his chest. The invitation had been unexpected, tucked inside a weathered envelope delivered without a sender—just a wax seal bearing the silhouette of a rising sun.
By Muhammad Sabeel10 months ago in Pride
Turkish Cypriot court’s historic statement on pride parade day
Nicosia — As the calendars mark the 17th of May, the International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia, and Biphobia, the historic court case concerning hate speech against lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and intersex (LGBTI+) individuals was heard before Judge Jale Dizdarlı Ergüden in Nicosia’s Turkish Cypriot District Court in breakaway northern Cyprus.
By The Spotlight10 months ago in Pride
"Beyond the River"
In a small village nestled along the banks of a mighty river, there lived a young boy named Zayn. His life was simple yet full of joy. He had everything he needed loving parents, a warm home, and the company of his older sister, Layla. The two were inseparable, spending their days by the river, playing, laughing, and dreaming of adventures beyond the horizon.
By Muhammad Hayat10 months ago in Pride
"The Last Light of Zoreon"
"The Last Light of Zoreon" In the year 3098, Earth was no longer the only home for humans. People had moved to many planets in the galaxy. One of those planets was Zoreon a beautiful world with silver trees, blue rivers, and two suns that lit the skies with golden light.
By Muhammad Hayat10 months ago in Pride
India Facing the Challenge: Together and Strong
Today, our country faces a difficult time. But in this moment, all the people of the nation stand together. We only have the enemies of the country before us. We are all united.
By umar khalid10 months ago in Pride
Barcelona Stick to Their Principles as Real Madrid Lose Their Minds in Copa del Rey Final
In a thrilling Copa del Rey final that showcased the very essence of El Clásico, Barcelona emerged victorious not just on the scoreboard but in philosophy. At the same time, Real Madrid unraveled under the weight of their frustrations. The match was a microcosm of the two clubs' identities—Barça's composed, possession-based approach against Madrid's chaotic, reactive desperation.
By Golam Akbar10 months ago in Pride
'Elbows up!' me hearties. Top Story - May 2025.
I’m not a born Canadian, but have long been a citizen. I’ve never fully adopted all things Canadian as I’ve kept very much in touch with, and often visit, my home of origin. The most Canadian I’ve ever felt for all these years has been when I’m in another country and everyone assumes I’m American. Now, there’s absolutely nothing at all wrong with being American, but it kind of rankles with many who go to great lengths to ensure a red maple leaf, or the Canadian flag, is somewhere on their person or luggage.
By Marie McGrath10 months ago in Pride
EGO: A Smart Perspective, like a double-edged sword
UNDERSTANDING EGO: The simplest definition of ego is the feeling of self, or the "I" that characterizes a person. The ego, which has profound roots in psychology, philosophy, and daily life, serves as a bridge between our inner wants and the outside world.
By Madisetti Raveendra kumar10 months ago in Pride
Understanding pride: More Than Just a Celebration
Understanding Pride: More Than Just a Celebration Depending on the context, "pride" can mean anything from personal self-esteem to collective celebration. However, in contemporary times, and especially during the month of June, "Pride" has come to symbolize the LGBTQ+ community's struggle for dignity, rights, and recognition. However, to overlook Pride's deeper political and emotional essence is to view it solely as a colorful parade or social media trend. Pride is an ongoing struggle for equality, a declaration of identity, and a protest against oppression. Pride's Origins To understand the true meaning of Pride, one must look back to its origins. The modern LGBTQ+ Pride movement began after the Stonewall Riots in New York City in June 1969. A police raid on the gay bar Stonewall Inn in Manhattan set off these riots, which led to days of protest by the LGBTQ+ community against constant harassment and police brutality. In honor of this act of resistance, the first Pride march was held a year later. What began as a protest has now grown into a global movement. As a Protest, Pride Even today, Pride remains deeply political. LGBTQ+ people still face violence, discrimination, and criminalization in many parts of the world. In over 60 countries, same-sex relationships are illegal, and in several, they are punishable by death. Due to safety concerns, pride celebrations in these nations are either outlawed, heavily censored, or secret. Pride is therefore more than just a celebration; it is also an act of resistance. It is a public assertion of existence in societies that often try to erase queer identities. In addition to waving a rainbow flag, marching in Pride is about reclaiming space, demanding justice, and asserting that love—in whatever form it takes—is a human right. As a Celebration, Pride Pride is also a celebration of identity, love, and community at the same time. It provides a safe environment in which LGBTQ+ individuals can freely and authentically express themselves. The vibrant parades, music, dance, and art that characterize Pride events worldwide are all expressions of joy and resilience. They reflect the diversity and creativity of the LGBTQ+ community, often overlooked in mainstream narratives. Celebrating Pride also helps break down social stigma. When people see others living openly and joyfully, it challenges stereotypes and fosters greater acceptance. Pride can be a beacon of hope and belonging for young queer people, particularly those who struggle with identity or isolation. Political and corporate influence In recent years, Pride has become more commercialized, with major corporations participating in Pride parades and changing their logos to rainbow versions during June. This is criticized as "rainbow-washing," or using the Pride symbol for profit without supporting real change, despite the fact that some view it as evidence of growing acceptance. True allyship requires more than a colorful logo. Fair workplace policies, inclusive education, LGBTQ+ healthcare access, and advocacy for policy reform are just a few examples of the actions that businesses and governments must take to demonstrate their public support. Otherwise, Pride risks losing its radical edge and becoming just another marketing opportunity. Intersectionality in Pride It is also essential to acknowledge the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community. Issues faced by queer people are not the same for everyone. Race, gender, class, disability, and geography all play crucial roles in shaping experiences. Black and brown trans women, for example, face disproportionately high rates of violence. Pride must be inclusive and intersectional to be truly meaningful. It should amplify the voices of the most marginalized within the community, not just those who are more socially accepted or visible. The Way Forward While significant progress has been made in LGBTQ+ rights in many parts of the world—such as legalizing same-sex marriage, adopting anti-discrimination laws, and recognizing non-binary identities—much work remains. Pride is a reminder of both how far we’ve come and how far we still have to go. Empathy and education are essential. Gender and sexuality education should be inclusive in schools. Media should represent diverse queer lives accurately and respectfully. Most importantly, families and communities must provide safe spaces for individuals to be who they are without fear or shame. Conclusion Pride is more than a rainbow flag or a parade—it is a symbol of strength, resistance, love, and hope. It is a reminder that everyone deserves the right to live authentically and safely, no matter who they love or how they identify. Pride boldly declares: we are here, we are proud, and we are not going anywhere in a world that still frequently views queerness as something to be hidden or punished.
By Sabrina 10 months ago in Pride
What I Learned From Gay Culture: No One Will Love Me If...
Can you think of something you learned as a child and later realized it was a lie? The Easter Bunny and Santa Claus come to mind. With them, it’s easy to believe they don’t exist. We may even wonder why we ever held to such outlandish stories.
By Brandon Ellrich10 months ago in Pride
Spring's Gentle Hand
The winter's grip begins to cease, A softer air brings gentle peace. No biting winds that chill us through, But breezes whispering, fresh and new.
By Iftikhar Akram10 months ago in Pride
The Advocate’s Oath
n the quiet corners of the justice system, there lived a man who still believed in truth—not the kind that sat on paper, bound in legal codes, but the kind that was felt deep in the soul. His name was Barrister Asim Raza, a seasoned advocate known not for his victories, but for the cases he chose to fight—ones others wouldn’t touch.
By Ali 10 months ago in Pride