Issues of equality and acceptance of people who do not identify as either female or male (also known as non-binary people), including transgender individuals, have been a continuous battle. Celebrated annually in June, PRIDE month honors the 1969 Stonewall riots and works to achieve equal justice and equal opportunity for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and questioning (LGBTQ+) individuals. The 1969 riot was a response to resist police harassment and persecution to which LGBTQ+ individuals were commonly subjected. It marked the beginning of a movement sought to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against individuals who identify as LGBTQ+.
PRIDE month is now celebrated through parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts and other LGBTQ+ Pride Month events. Memorials are also held during this month for members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize and celebrate LGBTQ+ individuals who’ve made an impact locally, nationally and internationally. There are various ways for anyone to celebrate PRIDE month, which may include expanding your media literacy to include LGBTQ+ authors, stories or artists. It not only allows for visibility of the LGBTQ+ community but incorporates the diverse representation that our society holds. Additional ways you can celebrate PRIDE month are by attending Pride events, volunteering at your local LGBTQ+ Center, giving to organizations that amplify LGBTQ+ voices or even getting the conversation started about PRIDE month in a space you feel comfortable. And remember, celebrating PRIDE and the LGBTQ+ community is not just an annual event, it is one that should be celebrated throughout the year. And what better way to do so than by continuing to educate ourselves so that we may become an ally. Inclusivity, diversity and equity means welcoming all, not just some, especially in our parks and community.
Resources:
Art & Literature:
Local PRIDE Month Events:
Sac PRIDE – Sacramento LGBTQ Community Center 6/11 https://saccenter.org/
Watch “Inside the Beauty Bubble” – The California Capital Film Office 6/11 https://www.cityofranchocordova.org/residents/community-topics/celebrating-diversity/pride-month
Celebrate PRIDE with Leo and Friends – Sacramento Children’s Museum 6/25 https://sackids.org/pride/