Weddings. Adoption. Hospital Rights. Healthcare. Why are gay persons still marching? The question may seem out of touch, but for some, the parades have just begun.

“To think that you gain your rights and then sit by idly and just think that all’s well that ends well…you really have lost touch.” says Greg S. from Beavercreek. “The long and winding road that led to so many changes can never be taken for granted.” A sentiment shared by many, especially those of a certain age.

You really don’t have to look to far back to see some of the great landmarks the Pride movement has made. It has only been 47 years since Stonewall, where it all began in NYC, and as recent as April 4th of this year that a court of appeals said the Civil Right Act prohibits workplace discrimination against LGBT employees.

Ann R. of Dayton, an ally of the LGBT community had this to say, “Pride isn’t just about yesterday, or today. Until everyone, no matter who they are is treated fairly and equally, PRIDE and other marches or parades must go on!” And so they will.

What will be this year’s focus, nationally and internationally, as PRIDE has become a worldwide event. To think there is no reason for it is to say the following are part of some ‘fake’ news:

We will march for GAY MARRIAGE – what seemed like a done deal in the USA, and a growing wave in the world… but has now seen some backlash. Some states are finding ways to skirt the landmark legislation, in hopes of returning marriage to traditional one man and one woman. In other countries, gay marriage laws have been abandoned or worse, overturned. A reason for PRIDE.

We will march for HEALTHCARE – gender identity has caused major insurance issues within the LGBT community, and discrimination is rampant. LGBT citizens are less likely to get needs met which in turn leads to higher incidence of suicide, drug abuse and mental illness. And children, thrown out of a home or denied by family are forced to find ways of receiving healthcare without benefit of family stability. A reason for PRIDE.

We will march for an end to violence – as people have heard, transgender women of color were at one point being murdered at a rate of one a week in the US. Sexuality is the second cause of violence in the US, mostly because of ‘gay-bashing’ and other hate crimes against LGBT citizens. In 2017, so far, rates of violence against LGBT citizens has skyrocketed, forcing the question ‘Why are we moving backwards?’ A reason for PRIDE.

We will march against employment discrimination – strides have been made in many states ending workplace LGBT discrimination, but much remains. Heated discussions fill the halls of Washington where ‘Religious Freedom Acts’ mix poorly with ‘ENDA Legislators.’ 21% of LGBT adults say they are treated poorly or unfairly at their place of work due to their sexual orientation. A reason for PRIDE.

We will march for CHECHNYA – a country where discrimination as well as outright murder of gays is happening as this article is written. In a country where the leadership says ‘we have no gays, so we couldn’t possibly be hurting anyone,’ there is a reason for PRIDE.

Yes, parades have a certain ‘stigma’ attached. They have the blend of politics, power, silliness and social justice. But, before the parade here in Dayton, or any city across this great land, passes by….take a moment and reflect on where PRIDE has been…..each and every step taken by those marching puts the LGBT community, actually it puts all of us closer to a more fair, equal and loving future!

The Dayton Pride Lineup: