Celebrating PRIDE Month

Pride 2  June is Pride Month, the time when the LGBTQ community celebrates successes in equality, LGBT rights, and the progress and respect that they have fought for and achieved.   2019 is the fiftieth anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising in New York City, which is considered by some to be the beginning of the gay rights movement.

There is a lot of visibility with Pride parades, concerts, and parties, and many words spoken about gay marriage, adoption rights, workplace equality, and other issues.  But it is also important to remember that there is always more to be done, not just in June, but all year round.  Many in the LGBTQ community, and those whom I see in my practice, still do not feel safe coming out in their families, at school, or at work. Some do not know where to go to get help for the emotional issues they may face from living a life in secret.  Allies of the LGBT community often do not know how to help or how to advocate for their children, friends or other family members.

Scanning the internet this month, I found much wonderful information. There are local, statewide and national organizations.  Many companies advertised their support for the LGBTQ community and the equality of their work environment.  Specific charities were highlighted and people are encouraged to donate even more during this month.

Check out the June is Pride Month on the WordPress.com Blog.  It is informative and does more than pay lip service to the needs of the LGBTQ community.  It lists resources such as itgetsbetter.org (browse through its many videos in which people talk about their experiences) and thetrevorproject.org  which has a Model School District Policy and many resources for LGBTQ youth. Browsing through videos on the IGB Project was both heartening and heart-wrenching.

During Pride Month many speakers, writers, and sites use words such as compassion, respect, tolerance, and love.  On paper, these are only words.  They become meaningful when we behave that way in real life in every situation, every day, and every month.

Need help with this issue or others?  Contact my office at 732-933-1333.