PRIDE MONTH 2025: WHY IT STILL MATTERS

MORE THAN EVER

Every June, There’s something special around the world. Streets fill with colour, music, and laughter. People dance, hug, cry, protest, and celebrate Pride Month, But it’s not just about rainbows and parades it's rooted in struggle. It’s about real lives, real love, and a fight that’s still far from over.

HOW IT ALL STARTED

Pride began in 1969 at the Stonewall Inn in New York City a police raid, like so many others before. But this was the time, people pushed back. Drag queens, Tran’s folks, gay men, and lesbians everyone raised up together. That night, somethings changed. The protests became a spark, and the LGBTQ+ rights movement was born.
A year after, people marched in New York to remember that night. And since then every June is celebrated as Pride Month.

WHAT PRIDE LOOKS LIKE IN 2025

In 2025 Pride strikes different in every place. Some cities throw massive parades. Others host film festivals or quiet community gatherings. With the same energy and enthusiasm. It’s all about love, visibility, and standing together.

WASHINGTON, D.C. TOOK IT GLOBAL

This year, Washington, D.C. hosted World Pride. The National Mall turned into a sea of rainbow flags. A huge rally brought together activists, artists, families, and friends. Even Kamala Harris sent in a message about unity and courage.
The event wasn’t without tension. Security was tight. Political protests were expected. But the message was clear: LGBTQ+ people aren’t backing down.

PRIDE IN INDIA

Pride in India started getting worldwide attention after some major legal breakouts, a major turning point came in 2018 when the Supreme Court decriminalized homosexuality by violating Section 377. For the LGBTQIA+ communities, the decision marked the first time their identity was respected and their existence was acknowledged by the law. Delhi, Mumbai, Bengaluru, Kolkata, and Chennai where the cities to host vibrant Pride events, including parades, film festivals, poetry readings, panel discussions, and art exhibitions. Kolkata began pride walk in 1999 and went on to becoming one of the region’s earliest, setting the tone for Pride movements across the country. Over the years, Indian Pride celebrations have evolved beyond visibility. They have become platforms to demand legal rights, such as marriage equality, transgender healthcare access, anti-discrimination laws, and inclusive education.

This Year’s Big Focus: Trans Rights

If there’s one issue that’s been front and centre this Pride, its transgender rights. And rightfully so.
In the U.S., several states are pushing laws that ban gender-affirming care for minors. That’s scary. It sends a message to young people that their identity is up for debate.
That’s why the D.C. march included the "International Rally for Freedom." Tran’s folks and allies stood up and said, “We’re not going anywhere.”
More than Parades: How We Celebrate
Pride is not celebrated the same way by everyone, and that’s perfectly acceptable. There is no universally correct way to participate.

FILM FESTIVALS AND ART SHOWS

In cities like Pune, Mumbai, Delhi, queer filmmakers are provided with a space to express themselves and share their stories like out & loud. These films are often raw, honest, and emotional. And they matter. Because representation matters.

PRIDE IN THE OFFICE

Pride has also made its way into workplaces. Companies set up panels, Raise rainbow flags, and encourage open conversations. It’s more than just putting up a flag in lobby. Listening to LGBTQ+ employees, offering benefits that reflect diverse families, and hiring with equity in mind.

SO, WHY DOES PRIDE STILL MATTER?

People sometimes ask, why do we still need Pride? Here's why:

• Because kids are still bullied for being gay or Trans.
• In some countries, it's illegal to love who you love.
• Even in progressive places, people still face hate.
• LGBTQ+ voices are still being silenced or side lined.

WANT TO GET INVOLVED?

You don’t need to be part of the LGBTQ+ community to support it. Here are a few real ways to show up:

1. Show Up Locally
   Participate in local events whether it's a parade, a film screening, or a community meet up. Your support means more than you know.
2. Give Where It Counts
   Organizations like Yutak Charitable Trust and Connecting Trust in India and others around the world do the work year-round. Contribute if you can.
3. Educate Yourself
   Learn about LGBTQ+ history and current issues. Read real stories. Follow LGBTQ+ voices online.

WHAT KAAMASTRA OFFERS IN PRIDE MONTH

We see Pride Month as a reminder that love has no limits. At kaamastra we offer different selections for queer couples, trans-friendly pleasure products, and bold expressive looks. It’s a way of saying we see you, we support you, and we’re here to help you express yourself and also want you to feel safe and seen, throughout the year. So we offer 100% discreet and judgment free delivery. You can shop with confidence, without worrying about labels or looks. At Kaamastra, we don’t just celebrate Pride once a year, we stand with you all year round. As everyone deserves pleasure, freedom, and the right to express who they are, comfortably and proudly.