With June less than one week away, I felt that I needed to write something to kick off Pride. In my family, Pride is of year-round importance, and not just a single month of the year, but I do feel that it is a great time to remind us why it is important for ALL of us, allies included, to celebrate.
When I moved to Florida, I knew that the politics didn’t reflect my liberal New England background, but as a child of the 60s, I assumed that if we worked hard enough that things would change. LGBT rights in Florida have been a topic of debate. In 2015, the state passed a law that banned same-sex marriage, but thankfully our national government isn’t as close-minded and the law was overturned by the Supreme Court. Since then, there has been a constant stream of anti-gay legislation in the state.
Seven years ago (2016), the state passed a law that prohibited transgender people from using the bathroom that corresponds with their gender identity in public schools. Once again, the law was challenged in court and was eventually blocked by a federal judge.
In 2019, the state passed a law that prohibited transgender people from playing on sports teams that correspond with their gender identity. This law was also challenged in court and was eventually blocked by a federal judge.
In 2022, the state passed a law that prohibited teaching about sexual orientation and gender identity in kindergarten through third grade. This law, known as the “Don’t Say Gay” bill, has been met with widespread criticism from LGBTQ+ advocates and their allies.
While the state passed a law that prohibited discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity in employment, housing, and public accommodations, and same-sex couples are FINALLY allowed to adopt children here, it is not nearly enough.
While many of my more liberal minded friends are leaving the state, I have chosen to stay because I know that my vote counts here and that ONE (or TWO with my husband) votes for gay-rights could make a difference.
Why is Pride Month in June?
June has been designated as Pride Month because it is the month that commemorates the Stonewall riots, which were a series of spontaneous, violent demonstrations by members of the LGBTQ+ community against a police raid that took place at the Stonewall Inn in New York City on June 28, 1969. The Stonewall Riots are considered to be the beginning of the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The first Pride march was held in New York City on the anniversary of the Stonewall riots in 1970. Since then, Pride marches have been held in cities all over the world, and Pride Month has become a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for LGBTQ+ equality and to remember the work that still needs to be done.
As an LGBTQIA ally
Pride means a lot to me. It is a time to celebrate the progress that has been made in the fight for equality and to remember the work that still needs to be done. It is a time to come together as a community and to show our support for one another. It is a time to be proud of who we are and to be proud of the LGBTQ community.
I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ community because I believe in equality. I also have many personal connections to the community itself and grew up in a place where my friends were incredibly diverse, with good friends who are trans, gay, and non-binary. I truly believe that everyone should be able to live their life freely and openly, without the fear of discrimination or violence. That we should all have the same rights and opportunities, regardless of our sexual orientation or gender identity.
I have seen firsthand the strength and resilience of this community. I have seen how LGBTQ+ people have fought for their rights, and how they have made progress in the face of adversity. I have seen how they have created a vibrant and diverse community, and how they have made the world a better place.
Be LOUD & PROUD
I am proud to be an ally of the LGBTQ community because I know that we are all in this together. We are all part of the human family, and we all deserve to be treated with dignity and respect. I know that by working together, we can create a world where everyone can be proud of who they are.
Here are some ways that you can be an ally to the LGBTQ community:
- Educate yourself about LGBTQIA issues.
- Speak up against discrimination and violence.
- Support LGBTQ-owned businesses and organizations.
- Support businesses that give to LGBTQ causes.
- Donate to LGBTQ charities.
- Volunteer your time to LGBTQ causes.
- Be a role model for others.
By taking these steps, you can help to create a more inclusive and accepting world for all LGBTQ people.
Celebrate Pride this month
- Attend a Pride march or rally.
- Donate to an LGBTQ+ charity.
- Volunteer your time to an LGBTQ+ organization.
- Educate yourself about LGBTQ+ issues.
- Speak up against discrimination and violence.
- Be an ally to your LGBTQ+ friends and family.
By taking these steps, you can help to create a more inclusive and accepting world for all LGBTQ+ people. Stay tuned for our annual PRIDE GUIDE coming very soon.
I’d love to know what you are doing to celebrate Pride month? Let me know, maybe I’ll join you.
I love you Rob & Kent – your sister (& sister-in-law),
