Pride Month & LGBTQ+ Resources
During the month of June, Pride is a time to commemorate the progress that the LGBTQ+ movement has made since Stonewall and a time to motivate us to keep up the fight for full equality. We need to keep fighting for a world where people of all races, all backgrounds, and all gender identities, can thrive. In the meantime, though, we also recognize it has been a hard year for our LGBTQ+ community, given that hundreds of anti-LGBTQ bills have been filed across the country since January 2022. To counter these efforts, President Biden signed an executive order on June 15, 2022, aimed at protecting LGBTQ+. people in conservative states. Below we offer resources and encourage our LGBTQ+ community to find support.History of PrideThe first Pride parade was held on June 28, 1970, in response to the one-year anniversary of the Stonewall Inn riot in New York. The riot was sparked by people's frustration with New York’s gender-appropriate clothing statute, constant police harassment, and social discrimination. While our country has come a long way, this work continues year-round to be more inclusive of ALL and to strive to be a country where folks can openly express themselves without worry.
How can you support Black & Brown youth identifying as LGBTQ+?
- Check-in with Black LGBTQ youth. Ask the Black LGBTQ youth in your lives what their support system looks like during this time. In some cases, you may want to explore whether they have access to therapy or professional support. You can also tell them about online peer support, like TrevorSpace.org, which can be a great way to build connectivity and community.
- Use your platform. While it might be difficult to translate your complex thoughts and feelings, it’s okay to use your platform to speak out against racism and racial violence. Your feelings and experiences are valid and can help educate others about current events. However, it is also important to know when to let others speak, and when to raise others’ voices.
- Center Black experiences and voices. Black lives matter, and amplifying their voices is an authentic way to share their unique experiences with the world.
- Educate yourself. Learning information about current events directly from reliable sources can put your mind at ease. It’s also important to educate yourself about racism, violence against the Black and LGBTQ communities, and police violence. Click here for more.
Beware of Bigotry SupportAll month long, we'll see many corporations furnish their websites and logos with rainbows. However, many of these corporations are actively funding politicians pushing anti-LGBTQ legislation. AT&T, for instance, is a corporate sponsor of many different Pride parades across the United States — but has donated hundreds of thousands of dollars to anti-LGBTQ politicians for years. Toyota, another Pride Parade sponsor, has donated to lawmakers advancing bills ranging from banning the discussion of gender identity and sexual orientation in schools to bills attacking trans youth. It's our job to hold these organizations accountable and to always follow the money.Stand TogetherThe LGBTQ+ community is filled with diversity, intersectionality, and varying identities. We must work together to support the LGBTQ+ community beyond Pride Month. It will take all of us to keep our LGBTQ+ children and youth safe. Together we can transform our nation into the safe and affirming environment all LGBTQ+ children and youth deserve.