Culture Wars, U.S. Imperialism & Pride Month

Pride month is here in the US. It’s a time for LGBTQ people to celebrate, to build community, to honor our elders, and to continue the tradition of protest for recognition, safety and equal rights. In the face of “don’t say gay” laws, book bans, street harassment, attacks on trans athletes and drag shows and laws targeting trans healthcare and even families who provide gender-affirming care for trans children, Pride has a stronger meaning and spirit behind it this year.

These renewed attacks by the right wing in the US have been joined by PR campaigns and boycotts against Target, Bud Light and more. But even though these companies might put a rainbow on their logo for a month, they can’t be the basis of resistance to these ongoing attacks against LGBTQ people.

The history of Pride in the US is one of resistance. So how have these corporations gotten involved? What is the right wing actually trying to achieve? And how does the idea of rainbow capitalism tie into all of this?

We also discuss the hidden US-based influences behind the “Kill the Gays” bill recently sign in Uganda. Far-right Christian organizations have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into evangelical operations in Africa alone over the last decade.

We’re joined by Karleigh Webb, a journalist, socialist and organizer focusing on LGBTQ liberation. She’s also a Grand Marshal of the 2023 Middletown Pride Fest in Middletown, CT.