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Most of us realize that practically everything has a “day” of celebration. And, to be honest, at Rainbow Depot we pretty much love these declarations. After all, who doesn’t relish recognizing such awesome things as ice cream, cousins, chocolate chip cookies and even scarves?  We appreciate the little things and enjoy each and every opportunity to acknowledge them! 

It is important to teach LGBTQ history in schools. However, information on this important segment of our society are often missing from history books and lessons.

Traditional history has been a part of education in the United States, seemingly forever. We all learned about important events like the Civil War, World Wars I and II and Watergate, just to name a few, and how they helped shape our society.

Additionally, history lessons have focused on individuals and their contributions to our world. We know all about leaders like Abraham Lincoln, Martin Luther King, Jr, and Barak Obama. We have learned about explorers, inventors and business people.This has provided our children a greater understanding of how things have changed over time, who has affected change and, hopefully, how they may be able to change the world for the better.

Unfortunately, marginalized groups tend to be absent from the history books and lessons until something happens to include them. We have witnessed this with the African American community. While we are making strides, this inclusion is clearly a work in progress.

This past June we celebrated the 50th anniversary of the riots that occurred at the Stonewall Inn in New York City. In recognition there were parades and parties across the country honoring the progress our community has made over this time period.

In general, individuals in the United States and around the world are incredibly generous. We support our family and friends. We even support strangers. (Think of the plethora of “GoFundMe” campaigns for those facing difficult times). We subsidize cities and countries in need (especially after a natural disaster). And, sometimes, we even sponsor animals. (Have you ever fostered a puppy or kitten?). We also support the causes in which we believe. Quite often, it is this reinforcement that is critical to those causes and to the individuals behind (or at the forefront of) them.

Is homosexuality a choice? This frequently asked question is often met with a variety of answers.  According to a recent Ted Talk given by Dr. James O’Keefe, the answer is simply no. In fact, he references numerous studies that share that homosexuality is not only genetically influenced, it is also necessary and beneficial to society.

All of us at Rainbow Depot are looking forward to June 2019 as it marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising. Did you know that in June of 1969, in Greenwich Village, New York City police raided The Stonewall Inn, a gay bar. They arrested several patrons for violating New York’s gender appropriate clothing statute.  

What does non-binary mean? You would be surprised at how many people truly just don’t know. As individuals gain a greater understanding of who they are, it is important that we all try to understand the meanings of the words they use to represent how they identify. At Rainbow Depot, we celebrate diversity and individuality; we constantly do our best to appreciate all of our customers.

At Rainbowdepot.com, we embrace diversity and celebrate the LGBTQ community. In an ideal world, the mantra “live and let live” would be the guiding principle by which all would operate. While the LGBTQ community has made great strides in acceptance, both in the United States and in several countries around the world, bias and bigotry still sadly exist. There is perhaps no greater example of this than the continued practice of conversion therapy in our country, USA.

As changes in both perception and laws have taken place, celebrations of  LGBTQ Pride, both in the United States and internationally, have become considerably more widespread.  In fact, in 2018 there were more than 150 Pride celebrations around the world

Get ready to have a PRIDE filled Valentine's Day!