June 2024 is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
This is a time to think about inclusion, acceptance and advocacy
During the month of June, it is a time for us to celebrate Pride and diversity. But it is also important to keep in mind that Pride is still a riot. There are many people within the LGBTQ+ community who face discrimination and harassment in their daily lives. There is an abundance of hate crimes, and laws aimed at marginalizing people who are LGBTQ+.
Check out this month’s Pride blog posts from Millenial Mom here:
June 2024 is LGBTQ+ Pride Month
Pride Belongs to You, Even when You aren't "Out"
Using the Bible to Gay Bash is Shaky Ground
Being Your Authentic Self Shouldn't have to be a Political Statement
Here in America, the land of the free and home of the brave, there are still so many people who are fighting on a daily basis to be treated with basic human dignity. We are fighting for our rights and freedom, in the face of the religious right who is attempting to stop those rights and freedoms at every turn.
Much of the legislation in the past couple of years has been aimed at school children, such as the Florida “Don’t Say Gay” law, as well as many other laws aimed at stopping children from receiving gender affirming care. Parents are afraid for their children and their futures, in some cases having to move to different states to protect their children’s rights.
In other countries across the globe, LGBTQ+ people are subject to even stricter laws than in the US, and have to hide their sexual and gender identities out of fear of bodily harm or imprisonment.
In 2023, the Human Rights Campaign declared a state of emergency for LGBTQ+ Americans:
LGBTQ+ Americans are living in a state of emergency. The multiplying threats facing millions in our community are not just perceived — they are real, tangible and dangerous. In many cases they are resulting in violence against LGBTQ+ people, forcing families to uproot their lives and flee their homes in search of safer states, and triggering a tidal wave of increased homophobia and transphobia that puts the safety of each and every one of us at risk. HRC is working tirelessly to educate and arm the LGBTQ+ community with information and resources to ensure their safety — whether they’re planning summer travel through regions that are becoming increasingly hostile to LGBTQ+ people, or whether they already live in a state where legislative assaults and political extremism are continuing to put a target on our backs.”
With rights, freedoms and even safety under attack for so many, this makes Pride even more important than ever. More than just a celebration, Pride supports all kinds of advocacy groups that are working tirelessly for those whose rights are under attack.
If you have attended a Pride event this month, it is a great opportunity to network and make new friends and connections. Speaking up for ourselves, advocating for our basic rights, is something that we can do during Pride month, since the spotlight is on us.
If you are an ally, there is much you can do as well. You can show your support for friends and loved ones on a personal basis by showing acceptance, and get involved in conversations with the people in your life about the continued importance of advancing LGBTQ+ rights, so that people don’t have to be afraid of being who they are, and loving who they love.
Let me know in the comments what you are doing this month to celebrate Pride in your own life, and if you are involved in education and advocacy.
Last weekend, I attended Denver Pride with my daughter, and it was great to be able to see all the organizations here locally that are working to support the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for equity. We are lucky to live in a city where we can come together in the open and be ourselves!
Happy Pride, my lovelies!
Nicole Dake