2023 Pride: “Peace, Love and Revolution”

Pride Month is celebrated in June in tribute to the Stonewall Riots in June of 1969. The Stonewall Riots encompassed a series of spontaneous demonstrations erupting in the wake of a police raid at the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. These riots were a powerful response to the long-standing oppression and violence faced by the LGBTQIA+ community, and they marked a turning point in LGBTQIA+ activism. The protests, led by transgender women of color, drag queens, lesbians, and gay men, galvanized the community and renewed a sense of unity, igniting a spirit of resistance which led to the formation of many LGBTQIA+ organizations demanding visibility and equality.

The legacy of Harvey Milk stands at the core of Pride Celebrations for many, especially those of us attached to the San Francisco Bay Area. An iconic figure among countless queer pioneers whose lives were dedicated to the pursuit of justice, Harvey Milk was an openly gay community leader and political activist. He became the first openly gay elected official in California in 1977 when he was elected to a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Not only was his election a significant turning point in LGBTQ+ political representation, with his groundbreaking achievement energizing the queer community, but his impact also extended far beyond his election.

Harvey Milk was a charismatic and compassionate leader, dedicating himself to fighting for the rights and well-being of members of the LGBTQIA+ community. He understood how powerful visibility can be as a tool in challenging societal norms and dismantling stereotypes. His commitment was unwavering as he publicly embraced his identity, paving the way for future generations of queer individuals to live openly without fear or shame.

Milk’s successful advocacy for a groundbreaking gay rights ordinance in San Francisco stands as one of his most notable triumphs. His unyielding determination and ability to build bridges across diverse communities were instrumental in the passage of this pioneering legislation prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation in employment, housing, and public accommodations. The effects of this law are far-reaching as it provided a model for other cities and states to follow while demonstrating that such provisions were indeed attainable.

In 1978, Harvey Milk’s fight for equality was cut short when he was assassinated along with San Francisco Mayor George Moscone. Milk’s assassination further motivated the LGBTQIA+ community, and his legacy lives on as a symbol of resilience, courage, and unwavering commitment to justice.

As we celebrate Pride Month and reflect on the origins of the LGBTQIA+ rights movement, let’s never forget the courage and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community throughout history. The collective efforts of queer individuals have shaped our world, from the Stonewall Riots to the contributions of Harvey Milk, creating a more inclusive and accepting future for all. While Pride Month reminds us that progress is possible, it underlines the ongoing struggle we face in the pursuit for equality.

Individuals in the LGBTQIA+ community continue to face challenges including, but not limited to discrimination, legal inequality, mental health disparities, and violence. Across the globe, systemic barriers based on sexual orientation and gender identity persist, meanwhile a lack of inclusive anti-discrimination protections coupled with unequal access to housing, healthcare, employment, and public accommodations perpetuate social marginalization and impede progress. Advocacy for global LGBTQIA+ rights thus remain a critical aspect of the fight for equality, requiring collaboration and government pressure on an international scale.

Social pressures and stigma contribute to disproportionate rates of mental health challenges affecting the community, including struggles with depression, anxiety, and suicide. Despite progress made for equality, hate-motivated attacks and violence against LGBTQIA+ individuals continue at alarming frequency, particularly among transgender women of color. Addressing these issues requires appropriate mental health services and support systems, comprehensive legal protection, improved law enforcement response, and increased education and awareness to foster a culture of acceptance and respect.

We must continue to educate ourselves, promote inclusivity, advocate for legal and social change, and support LGBTQIA+ and other human rights organizations. Together, we can create a world in which everyone can live with dignity, free from discrimination and prejudice. Continuing to march forward together on this journey of progress, we can help to ensure that Pride Month remains a catalyst for positive change. We are proud. We are OUT@Amyris.

Jaime Zlamal joined Amyris in 2021 as a Manager in the Fermentation team, and has since become an Analytical Technical Lead of a project. Prior to joining Amyris, Jaime investigated the human microbiome, bacterial evolution of resistance to antibiotics, and soil microbial communities. She holds a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology.