Participating in Pride Month

 

Image Source: Picture composed from pixabay

Pride Month recognizes the influence of LGBTQ+ individuals in history. With June chosen to commemorate the Stonewall Riots of 1969, individuals and communities use this time to peacefully protest and advocate for issues concerning LGBTQ+ human rights and equality. Throughout the month, there are Pride parades, memorials and public speaking to promote the voices of individuals who identify as LGBTQ+, as well as other minorities.

This June 2020, here are a few ways you can participate in Pride Month:

  1. Keep up-to-date on current events regarding Pride Month in your community; find events by state at Human Rights Campaign. Additionally, there are around 32 events all over the world on various online platforms, reported by Maya Salam from the New York Times. One of the biggest online gatherings will be Global Pride, scheduled for Saturday, June 27 at 10:30am (ET). This 24 hour livestream will center around the Black Lives Matter movement and include performances and speeches.
  2. Research with resources from the Library of Congress. Also, summer is the perfect time to check your local library for new books to read; here are two lists to start you off, from fictional to informative.
  3. Educate and learn how to take action with organizations. One of the most widely recognized organizations is GLAAD (Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation), which seeks to promote dialogue and action on a political and cultural scale. GLSEN (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network) is another organization, which specifically focuses on LGBTQ+ issues in K-12 education, especially in creating a safe and supportive environment.

Remember, Pride continues past this month! Continue to seek out LGBTQ+ artists, authors and resources. Check out clubs and alliances at your school, and promote inclusive language by introducing yourselves with your pronouns.