Pride is a celebration during the month of June dedicated to the uplifting of voices, an observance of culture, inclusion, and support of LGBTQ+ rights.
The Stonewall Riots in June of 1969 led to the birth of what we know as Pride today. It began with a police raid in Greenwich Village, New York City. Police stormed the Stonewall Inn and arrested patrons, forcing them into police vehicles. A nearby crowd grew restless and angry. And eventually, someone urged onlookers to fight back. They pelted the police, forcing them to retreat. The aggressive street confrontations continued over the next few nights.
Following the Stonewall Riots, organizers wanted to build on the spirit of resistance. The next year, they organized a march to Central Park, and adopted “Gay Pride” which soon expanded to other cities. With more cities joining year after year through the 1970s, Pride became the massive celebration that it is today.*
YurView celebrates Pride by sharing the journeys of nine individuals as they pursue acceptance and equality. Below, you’ll find the Pride programming lineup to watch on your local YurView channel throughout June. Check local listings for air times.
My Transgender Life: What It’s Like to be Transgender & Transition to a Different Sex
A moving documentary about what it’s like to be transgender, to grow up in the wrong gender and eventually transition to a different sex. This documentary was designed to record, share and celebrate the personal stories of seven transgender women and men. Although they vary in age, ethnicity and socioeconomic backgrounds, each person has fought to cast off the gender assigned to them at birth and embrace their true selves.
The decision to transition from one gender to another is a life-changing one, not just for the transgender person, but for their family and friends. Male or female, boy or girl? Most of us can answer that question without a second thought, but for some people, the answer isn’t so simple.
The documentary takes a powerful look at this new generation, exploring the medical possibilities, struggles and choices transgender teens, adults and their families face today.
Paul Wears Dresses – The Intimate Journey of a Transgender Life
“Paul Wears Dresses” follows the struggles of Stefonknee Wolscht, a transgender woman trying to rebuild her life. Losing her home and her family, Stefonknee gives a firsthand account of the many challenges transgender people face. Stefenknee Wolscht was the quintessential working man. He was a married father of seven, an upstanding member of the Catholic Church and a successful car mechanic.
In his 40’s, Stefonknee risked everything to transition from male to female. In this intimate documentary, learn about her journey, how it shaped her and what she hopes her tomorrow will look like. Follow her path that has been both liberating, challenging and at times filled with deep pain.
Am I a Boy or Girl: True Self Suppression Featuring Pina Newman
25-year-old Pina Newman tried to suppress her true self, but eventually, it erupted. When she was young, she received psychological advice initially trusted by her parents that ultimately didn’t serve her well. It was a long journey to decide who she is and what she wants.
And that journey continues today. But one thing she’s sure of, she is proud of who she is. “I am who I am, and I am enough.”
*Sources: nytimes.com, history.com, them.us
