Celebrating PRIDE

Pride Month, celebrated each June, honors the equality and visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, nonbinary, and transgender individuals. The celebration was named as such to encourage feelings of pride as the community comes together to commemorate and strengthen the LGBTQ+ rights movement. Below you will find a brief history of Pride, some facts about its importance, some ideas of how you can celebrate and support LGBTQ+ individuals, as well as local or national resources for those that may be interested. 

What is Pride? 

Pride is celebrated each June to honor the Stonewall Uprising, which occurred in Manhattan in 1969. The Stonewall Uprising served as a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the U.S. At first, Gay Pride Day was celebrated on the last Sunday in June, but the day soon grew to a month-long series of events that, in many cities, may encompass parades, picnics, parties, workshops, concerts, and more. Pride month commemorates the impact the LGBTQ+ community has had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. 

Why is Pride important? 

It’s important to celebrate and acknowledge the impact of the LGBTQ+ community not only in June but also throughout the year. Although attitudes toward gender and sexuality have evolved since 1969, there is still so far to go. From a recent study on LGBTQ+ individuals in the workplace: 

• One in 10 LGBTQ+ employees experienced workplace discrimination in the last year. 
• LGBTQ+ employees of color were more likely to report being denied jobs and experiencing verbal harassment. 
• Twenty-two percent of LGBTQ+ adults are currently living in poverty. 
• LGBTQ+ adults are more than twice as likely as heterosexual adults to experience a mental health condition. Transgender individuals are nearly four times as likely as cisgender individuals (people whose gender identity corresponds with their birth sex) to experience a mental health condition. 
• LGBTQ+ youth also experience greater risk for mental health conditions and suicidality. 

How you can get involved 

With more than 13 million Americans identifying as LGBTQ+, equality and representation are incredibly important. Although progress has been made, there is still much work that must be done to continue advocating for meaningful change. Find a Pride event in your area. 

Resources 

The LGBT National Help Center offers confidential peer support connections for LGBTQ+ youth, adults, and seniors, including phone, text, and online chat. 

The Association of LGBTQ+ Psychiatrists offers many resources for LGBTQ+ individuals experiencing mental health conditions along with access to a community of psychiatrists that educates and advocates on LGBTQ+ mental health issues. 

The Trevor Project provides a support network for LGBTQ+ youth, providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention, including a 24-hour text line (text START to 678678).