🏳️‍🌈 What is Pride Month?

Pride Month is a celebration of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer+ (LGBTQ+) history and culture.

Pride Month is about . . .

• Seeing people for who they are

• Validating individuality, identity, and personal stories

• Affirming acceptance, safety, and community

• Celebrating the existence of people who identify as LGBTQ+

🏳️‍⚧️ Why Celebrate Pride in June?

Pride is celebrated in June in commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising, that began on June 28th, 1969 in New York City when police raided The Stonewall Inn and arrested patrons—the majority of whom were gay men. Activists like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera fought back, and their resistance galvanized the gay rights movement.

46 years later, on June 26th, 2015, full marriage equality was achieved with the Supreme Court decision in Obergefell v. Hodges. However, even today LGBTQ+ individuals continue to have their rights and individuality attacked.

✨ Why is Celebrating Pride Important?

When we celebrate Pride, we affirm that LGBTQ+ identities are valid, with no need for justification, and we show that LGBTQ+ individuals have a community that is unconditionally loving and supportive. Unfortunately, many LGBTQ+ youth lack this love and support—even in their own homes. Because LGBTQ+ youth face rejection, bullying, discrimination, and violence, they are at a higher risk of challenges like depression, anxiety, and suicidality.

Join us in celebrating Pride this month:

• Support youth in your life by making homes, schools, and community centers safe spaces—here are some ideas on how to do so from The Trevor Project: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/guide/creating-safer-spaces-in-schools-for-lgbtq-young-people/

• Connect youth to healthcare that respects their gender identity and sexual orientation—see this resource from the Child Mind Institute on how to find affordable, affirmative care in your area: https://childmind.org/article/how-to-find-a-childrens-mental-health-professional/

• Advocate for politicians and legislation that protects the rights of LGBTQ+ people—a recent poll indicated that 90% of LGBTQ+ youth ages 13-24 said their well-being has been negatively impacted due to recent politics.

Celebrating Intersectionality!

June isn’t just a time when we celebrate Pride; it is also a time to celebrate freedom and emancipation. Juneteenth commemorates the day on which the last people who were enslaved in the Confederate state of Texas were freed by executive decree—more than 250,000 people.

Many people hold intersectional identities. The multiple celebrations of June (also including the Muslim holiday of Eid this year, and Father’s Day) reflect the beautiful intersectionality that makes us all unique.

I, Dr. Ruvvy, believe that recognizing intersectionality improves the quality, accuracy, and impact of research on child development and resilience. Celebrating intersectionality and respecting identities leads to better mental health outcomes! By opening your heart, you can help build resilience in the youth in your community daily.

Share these resources with the LGBTQ+ youth in your community—all resources are FREE and anonymous!

Crisis Lines: Trained counselors who understand the challenges LGBTQ+ youth face are available 24/7, 365 days a year to listen without judgement and provide support.

• CALL 1-866-488-7386 to hear a live voice on the line

• TEXT START to 678-678

Remember, you are not alone. Resilience is a process, and your path is paved with love and support. You got this!

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