As this month comes to an end, I want to take time to recognize that June is also PRIDE MONTH. You’ve probably seen Pride parades this year sharing their support for Black Lives Matter. And clearly the fight for gay rights and civil rights are connected.
The first parade in honor of Pride Month was held a year after the infamous riots at the Stonewall Inn in NYC in June 1969. It was then called the Christopher Street Liberation Day March. There were no floats or music like its modern counterparts; the scene was a protest implementing strategies used by the Civil Rights Movement. And obviously, the passionate fight for equal rights is still going on today.
So today, we are honoring Pride’s 50th anniversary. And in the spirit of love and connection that we’ve been talking about all month, I want to spotlight ways to be a better ally to the LGBTQ+ community and a few organizations leading the charge.
I shared a lot of resources this month on how to get involved and be an ally to the #blacklivesmatter movement. I feel it’s important to do the same for our LGBTQ+ brothers and sisters — especially during Pride Month! Now, let me first say that I am not the authority on either subject or community. I am a straight, cisgender, white woman and I could never speak to someone else’s experience. After doing my own research and looking into my heart, I simply want to share these suggestions as a starting point for discussion. They are in no way intended to be a comprehensive list.
Listen First, Speak Later
There is an expression, “You were born with two ears and one mouth, so you should listen twice as much as you speak.” The best way to support your friends, co-workers and neighbors is to get to know them as the wonderful human beings they are —and to understand their lived experience. Just like we talk about how every body is different, and you have to find what’s right for you; the same is true for identity and the journey to self-appreciation. So, don’t assume you know where someone is on their path. Listen more and talk less.
Amplify the Voices of People of Color
The Black LGBTQ+ community faces higher rates of violence, unemployment and poverty. Two black trans women, Riah Milton and Dominique “Rem’Mie” Fells, were killed within the same week this month. This community is particularly vulnerable and needs our extra support.
Speak Out
When you hear bigotry or see discrimination, don’t let it slide. It can be dangerous for a LGBTQ+ person to confront homophobic or transphobic people. Help create a safe space for them by letting everyone know that hate speech will not be tolerated. This includes having those uncomfortable conversations with people in your life and also checking your own use of insensitive language.
Get An Education
GLSEN’s Safe Space Campaign states “One simple yet important way to be an ally is to use LGBT-related terminology accurately and respectfully.”
Do your research if you’re not sure what pansexual means. Or how to address someone who prefers the pronouns they/them. Inclusive language matters, so don’t treat straight and cisgender as the norm. For example, use “partner” instead of girlfriend/boyfriend.
Power Up The Ballot Box
Real change in this country must include legislature and policy. Reach out to your representatives to let them know your opinion of what’s going on in the government. But you gotta understand what’s going on before you can make a decision, so beef up your political savvy.
Learn about the Equality Act, the LGBTQ Federal Non-Discrimination Bill. Look into the Supreme Court ruling on workplace discrimination and the rule that removes nondiscrimination health care protections for LGBTQ people. Both of which happened just this month. You can also find local issues in your area through the Human Rights Campaign (HRC). This highly recognizable organization is arguably the largest LGBT advocacy group in the U.S. They have more than 750,000 members and supporters.
The Children Are The Future
I’m sure you’ve heard of The Trevor Project before; it’s a leading national organization for LGBTQ youth under 25. What began as a character in a one-man show by James Lecesne grew into a beautiful movement offering mental health resources, crisis intervention and suicide prevention.
They now fund a nationwide 24-hour crisis phone, text and chat line. The Trevor Project offers in-person Ally and CARE training designed for counselors, educators, administrators, school nurses, and social workers who work directly with teens and young adults. And they also have an affirming online community called TrevorSpace, where it’s safe to ask questions and express yourself freely. There are ways to volunteer and local chapters to check out. And if you decide to donate now, they are tripling gifts until midnight Friday, June 26.
You know I had to include a hometown organization too! The Los Angeles LGBT Center has been around since 1969 (the same year as the Stonewall Riots). They offer a huge array of services, including medical and mental health care, employment and legal assistance, educational workshops, and advocacy programs for both the local and national community. They provide in-school programs focused on creating a safe learning environment for all students and connect their efforts across many sectors through their Community Action Network (CAN) Coalition.
They run a stellar ship, earning a four-star Charity Navigator rating for six consecutive years. But it takes hundreds of staff and volunteers to make their mission a reality, so check out ways to contribute to their work here.
—
Do you have a favorite organization you think we should know about? Are there any actions you’ve been taking personally to get involved during Pride Month? Let me know by sharing with our Badass Beauty Club community on Facebook.
LOVE is LOVE!
+ show Comments
- Hide Comments
add a comment