June is Pride Month

For many people, PRIDE Month conjures up images of colorful parades, celebrations, outdoor festivals, and music. PRIDE Month is celebrated in June, though there often celebrations throughout the year. PRIDE commemorates years of struggles for civil rights and the pursuit of equality for the LGBTQIA+ community and celebrations of those individuals in history who fought so hard for said rights, and those of us today who are still fighting.

Most events are held in June to commemorate the Stonewall Rebellion in NYC on June 28, 1969. Most consider this the birthplace of the LGBTQIA+ movement. At the time, police raids of bars catering to LGBTQIA+ patrons were common, but on that night, the patrons of the Stonewall Inn fought back. This ignited a national firestorm of activism that brought new visibility to the LGBTQIA+ struggle for equality.

While there has been progress made for LGBTQIA+ equality and access, violence and discrimination against the community has also intensified in the U.S. Four out of 5 acts of violence against transgender individuals are against women of color. Moreover, LGBTQIA+ individuals face an extraordinarily elevated risk of suicidal thoughts and suicide attempts, especially during the teen years. However, that risk can vary depending on intersectional identities including sexuality, gender identity, age, and race/ethnicity. 

Here at InterCommunity, we hold in balance the significance of the struggle and history, while also honoring and celebrating the LGBTQIA+ community. Beauty, resiliency, and pride are just a few of the elements and characteristics of this community and we celebrate this month as a time to explore its rich history and positive impact on society.