"The next time someone asks you why LGBT Pride marches exist or why LGBT Pride Month is June tell them 'A bisexual woman named Brenda Howard thought it should be.'" Tom Limoncelli. Howard is known as the "Mother of Pride" for her work in coordinating the first LGBT Pride march in 1970; she also originated the idea for a week-long series of events around the Pride march, which became the genesis of the annual LGBT Pride celebrations that are now held around the world every June.
For more information about the life of Brenda Howard check out The Advocate where this picture is from.
Image from Petr Kratochvil - public domain.
In 1978, artist and designer Gilbert Baker, a Vietnam War Veteran and drag performer, was commissioned by San Francisco city supervisor Harvey Milk -- one of the first openly gay elected officials in the US -- to make a flag for the city's upcoming Pride celebrations. Baker, a prominent gay rights activist, gave a nod to the stripes of the American flag but drew inspiration from the rainbow to reflect the many groups within the gay community.
A subset of flags represent other sexualities on the spectrum, such as bisexual, pansexual and asexual.
That is correct. There is more than just the Rainbow Flag. There are a bunch of different LGBTQIA flags.
Check out this article from the Reader's Digest to read more about it!
from the It Gets Better Project.
The language used to talk about LGBTQIA people is constantly evolving. New terms appear. Terms that were forgotten or unused, even terms that at some point were deemed derogatory, have been reclaimed and have entered into common parlance today. In a move towards inclusivity, the older, shorter, acronym - LGBT - has been expanded.
It’s worth noting that these definitions are not set in stone. Definitions of terms, like language itself, are constantly evolving. Moreover, they mean different things to different people. After all, we are talking about identity, sexuality and relationships, so there are as many definitions as there are people. Check out the It Gets Better Project Glossary for an explanation of terms.
Trans Lifeline provides trans peer support. 1-877-565-8860.
The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is a national network of local crisis centers that provides free and confidential emotional support to people in suicidal crisis or emotional distress 24 hours a day, 7 days a week in the United States. They're committed to improving crisis services and advancing suicide prevention by empowering individuals, advancing professional best practices, and building awareness.
Information from the Library of Congress
Your complete guide to the history, meaning, and future of Pride from them. A Conde Nast brand.
Background and history of Pride Parades
The terminology and historical background of the predominant outlook that bolsters LGBT rights movements.
A Queer-postiive, evidence-informed, accessible, engaging and fun website that serves as a learning place about LGBTQ+ identities and education. The Safe Zone Project is a free online resource for powerful, effective LGBTQ Awareness and Ally training.
If you need help, are in crisis, feeling suicidal, or need a safe and judgment-free place to talk, contact one of these resources.
The Trevor Project 1-866-488-7386
National Suicide Prevention Hotline 1-800-273-8255
Trans Lifeline 1-844-565-8860
FirstLink 2-1-1
see more information about each resource below.
The organized pursuit of gay rights in the United States reaches back to at least 1924 and the founding of the Society of Human Rights in Chicago by Henry Gerber. But the event that catalyzed the gay rights movement occurred in June 1969. The year 1969 was a pivotal one for LGBTQ liberation. Gay bars provided solace for LGBTQ individuals looking for a safe place to socialize and be themselves, but gay bars were also a target for law enforcement, who regularly trolled the bars for individuals engaged in homosexual relations, which were illegal at the time.
In the early hours of June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York's Greenwich Village, and began hauling customers outside. Tensions quickly escalated as patrons resisted arrest and a growing crowd of bystanders threw bottles and coins at the officers. New York's gay community, fed up after years of harassment by authorities, broke out in neighborhood riots that went on for three days.
The uprising became a catalyst for an emerging gay rights movement as organizations such as the Gay Liberation Front and the Gay Activists Alliance were formed, modeled after the civil rights movement and the women's rights movement. Members held protests, met with political leaders and interrupted public meetings to hold those leaders accountable. A year after the Stonewall uprising, the nation's first Gay Pride marches were held.
In 2016 the area around the Stonewall Inn, still a popular nightspot today, was designated a national monument.
Picture from the New York Times - https://www.nytimes.com/2019/06/27/nyregion/stonewall-inn-nyc-1969.html
All individuals want and need to be correctly identified. It is important that we all use and model the use of correct gender and gender pronouns to create a safe and welcoming environment.
In English, our most commonly used pronouns (he/she) specifically refer to a person’s gender. For queer, gender non-conforming, non-binary, and transgender people, these pronouns may not fit, can create discomfort, and can cause stress and anxiety.
A recent study showed that in transgender youth, using correct pronouns and names reduces depression and suicide risks.
Having trouble understanding why this would upset someone? Think about your pronoun. Now imagine someone calling you the one you don’t think of yourself as. Imagine them doing it over and over and over, even after you’ve corrected them.
If you would like more information check out Understanding Pronouns by the LGBT Life Center or Gender Identity and Pronouns by The New School.
This section has been included to help families understand their LGBTQIA kids. My Kid is Gay has frequently asked questions, resources and helpful links to explore. Also check out Family Equality.org for more assistance.
FirstLink is a free, confidential service available to anyone 24/7/365 for listening and support, referrals to resources/help, and crisis intervention. FirstLink answers the 211 helpline, the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, and communicates via the text line 898-211. FirstLink provides these services across the entire state of North Dakota and parts of Minnesota. Dial 2-1-1 or text your zipcode to 898-211 from anywhere in our service area for confidential help and support.
Our trained counselors are here to support you 24/7. If you are a young person in crisis, feeling suicidal, or in need of a safe and judgment-free place to talk, call the TrevorLifeline now at 1-866-488-7386.
TrevorText is a confidential and secure resource that provides live help for LGBTQ youth with a trained specialist, over text messages. Text START to 678-678.
The Trevor Project is the leading national organization providing crisis intervention and suicide prevention services to lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer & questioning youth. Check out sections for crisis help, resources, education, or ways to get involved.
Credit to Yássef Briloz https://www.flickr.com/photos/yassef/48018405668
Alternate image source Gender Diversity, Paradoxes and Bangladesh
99% Invisible is a sound rich, narrative podcast hosted by Roman Mars about all the thought that goes into the things we don’t think about — the unnoticed architecture and design that shape our world.
Bringing the voices of LGBTQ history to life through intimate conversations with champions, heroes, and witnesses to history.
An LGBTQ+ interview podcast hosted by Jeffrey Masters, and produced by The Advocate magazine in partnership with GLAAD.
Human Rights Watch exploration of LGBT Rights.
Color? Shape? Size? Age? Gender? Orientation? Nationality? Ability? None of these matter to us. All that matters; Are you Kind?
Creating a Better World for LGBTQ Students
GLAAD rewrites the script for LGBTQ acceptance. As a dynamic media force, GLAAD tackles tough issues to shape the narrative and provoke dialogue that leads to cultural change. GLAAD protects all that has been accomplished and creates a world where everyone can live the life they love.
The history of the LGBTQ movement in America from the History Channel.
Reader's Digest created a good starting point to learn about Pride.
Information from the Editors of Encyclopedia Britannica
An Archivist Explains The Deeply Radical Origins Of Pride from Bustle
A look at what is widely considered one of the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement.
Article from Parents magazine on how to explain Pride Month to your child.
A sing-along song about families from Nickelodeon and Blue's Clues. The song, featuring Nina West, includes lyrics about all the different kinds of families there are.
Many of these resources and programs are funded under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act from the Institute of Museum and Library Services.
