KNOX PRIDE
Media and Marketing Generalist | Lead Writer
I am honored to have been selected to serve on the Brand and Media Committee and carry out Knox Pride's mission to "promote inclusion and equality for the LGBTQ+ citizens of Knoxville and surrounding areas." In my promotion to Lead Writer, I am tasked with informing and engaging with followers by producing content that is factual, interesting, and pertaining to the mission of KP. I work primarily to create written content, but on occasion, my design skills are utilized to create visuals. Below, you will find links to the social media and blog posts I created. Check out Knox Pride's website to learn more about the mission!
SOCIAL MEDIA CONTENT
August 26th, 2020
"HAPPY WOMEN'S EQUALITY DAY!"
Today marks the 100th anniversary of the passing of the 19th amendment which prohibited the states and federal government from denying a U.S. citizen the right to vote on the basis of sex. It was on this day, a century ago, that the work of the Women’s Suffrage Movement began to pay off. This pivotal moment in history laid the foundation for all U.S. women to have power in politics, fighting discrimination, and turning voices into votes.
Although the 15th Amendment passed in 1870, discrimination, especially in voting, was still prominent. It wasn't until August 6th, 1965 that people of color were granted the right to vote under President Lyndon. B. Johnson.
The inclusion of women’s votes incited social, economic, and political change that took steps towards equality – not just for white women, but all unrepresented and marginalized groups of people, including the LGBTQ+ community. It’s up to us to continue this path of progress and raise our voices by exercising our hard-earned right to vote!
October 1st, 2020
"HAPPY LGBTQ+ HISTORY MONTH!"
This month, we recognize our community’s history – a past as rich and vibrant as our flag.
Comment the name of an LQBTQ+ or other civil rights changemaker in history that resonates with you to honor those who sacrificed scrutiny, discrimination, and hardships to create today’s environment. (Feel free to do a little research of your own, as it is both your right and privilege)
Here’s our pick: Rodney Wilson
In 1994, Rodney Wilson, a Missouri high-school history teacher, founded LGBTQ+ History Month when he saw the lack of historical representation in the classroom curriculum. He used his platform to create change nationwide, coming out as a gay man in the process.
This brave public stance, intertwined with so many others who worked to foster change in and out of the limelight, should not be taken lightly. We have a long way to go, but only by understanding our past can we build a brighter, more informed, and more inclusive future.
October 11th, 2020
Post Image designed by Albrianna Jenkins
"OUT AND PROUD"
Today is National Coming Out Day, and while we aspire for the day that "coming out" will seem pointless with such an inclusive and accepting climate, we know that that is not our current state.
What does it mean to "come out?"
The idea of "coming out" first originated when young ladies from upper-class families, also known as debutantes, would "come out" to society in a formal setting such as a ball to mark a momentous occasion of maturity and eligibility to be married.
It wasn't until gay men used this model to fashion their own "coming out" through formal drag dances that the term became associated with the LGBTQ+ community. Thus, describing the time before and after a moment of declaration of belonging outside the heterosexual community.
Nowadays, coming out looks different for everyone, but one thing remains the same: it's an act of bravery that is never easy. Not everyone can come out safely and with the necessary support. Whether confiding in a close friend or shouting it for all the world to know, the act of coming out does not legitimize your identity– that is already yours.
Coming out is a stance, and the first of many attempts to free oneself from the feeling of shame that can breed in secrecy, silence, and fear of social judgment. You are valid, regardless of who knows or supports you, but here at Knox Pride, we want to celebrate those living their truths by coming out and support those who aren't ready or able to.
Share your support with a heart in the comments!
October 28th, 2020
"HIGH-FIVES AND HOME RUNS"
As a part of LGBTQ+ History Month, we’d like to share a fun, sporty fact!
Did you know that the well-known high-five was invented and made famous by Los Angeles Dodgers’ outfielder, Glenn Burke? He was also the first major league baseball player to live his truth as a gay man.
During an October game in 1977, Burke, who was next in line to bat, watched as a teammate, Dusty Baker, completed his 30th home run–making their team the first in history to have four sluggers! Now eligible for playoffs, Burke, waiting by the plate, thrust his hand into the air as Baker passed, and without further consideration, Baker slapped it with his own. Thus, the high-five was born!
Who knew that a simple hand-gesture could become so universally accepted? All because of the love of the game!
#LGBTQHistoryMonth #MajorLeague #baseball #highfive #lgbt #pride
November 8th, 2020
"INTERSEX DAY OF REMEMBRANCE"
Intersex Day of Remembrance, also known as Intersex Day of Solidarity, is a day meant to highlight the experiences and issues faced by the intersex community.
This internationally recognized civil awareness day is also the birthday of Herculine Barbin, a French writer and intersex person whose memoirs were published by Michael Foucault.
An intersex person is someone whose sexual anatomy falls outside the standard biology of “male” or “female”. Though being born intersex is naturally occurring and many times poses no health risks, as infants, intersex individuals are often subjected to non-consenting surgeries to alter their reproductive anatomy to fit the binary ideas of “male” or “female”. These alterations are often decided on by the doctor and/or parents of the child.
It is important to learn about the personal experiences of our community members and advocate for a better world. Click the link below to hear the stories of four intersex individuals and learn more about their unique perspectives of “what it’s like to be intersex”. https://youtu.be/cAUDKEI4QKI
November 20th, 2020
"INTERNATIONAL STAND UP TO BULLYING DAY"
Today, November 20th, is not only Transgender Day of Remembrance, but it is also International Stand up to Bullying Day. Odds are, you or someone you know has witnessed or been the victim of homophobic remarks or discriminating behavior at least once before, and the impact of being bullied can have long-lasting effects.
According to GLAAD, over 70% of LGBTQ+ students report being verbally abused, and that same amount also reported hearing homophobic comments from teachers or other members of faculty due to their gender expression. 59% of LGBTQ+ students feel unsafe because of their identity. Toxic work, school, and cyber environments can lead to devastating outcomes for LGBTQ+ community members, especially our youth.
One act of bravery by standing against bullying can save a life. You have the power to create change. Stand up to bullying by speaking out and know that you are not alone in your attempts to dismantle an oppressive system of discrimination.
Stand in solidarity by sharing a heart in the comments or leaving a note of encouragement for others to see.
February 1, 2021
"HAPPY BLACK HISTORY MONTH!"
In 1976, February became the official month to celebrate Black Americans' achievements through the declaration of Black History Month. This month provides a platform to intentionally bring to light the voices, experiences, and achievements of people of color (POC), which have historically been silenced, erased, and white-washed.
This month, Knox Pride’s mission is to take corrective measures against the prejudice and intolerance that has left us with a system built to oppress and marginalize POC. We will publish a series of blog posts highlighting Black pioneers who have braved adversity, often violent, inspired change, and promoted civil rights movements.
Our society needs to recognize the value of perspectives outside our own and understand that our realities are not the same, even while co-existing. Our struggles are not the same. Privilege for one comes at the expense of discrimination to another, which can, and is, still happening with something ultimately as trivial as the color of one’s skin.
So, together, let us celebrate Black History Month by educating each other and creating change. Like the trending #BlackoutTuesday just last year, let our words this month be worth saying, and if not, let us be quiet to allow those who have too long been silenced the opportunity to speak.
#wewillnotbesilenced #Blackhistorymonth #Blackhistorymatters
We are looking for local creatives that want to let their voices be heard. If you are interested in getting your content showcased on Knox Pride’s platforms, contact nick@knoxpride.com. You can read content on our blog, too: www.knoxpride.com/blog