As we close out the month of June, it’s important to acknowledge PRIDE and how it celebrates members of the LGBTQ+ community. Although the country started recognizing PRIDE month in the early 2000s, the work began nearly 30 years prior.

The Personal Rights in Defense and Education group, also known as PRIDE, was initially formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1966 by Steve Ginsburg. This radical political organization, known for the Stonewall Riots, focused on protecting those within the LGBTQ community against Los Angeles police who oppressed gay gatherings and same-sex meetings within the city. After receiving support throughout the country, major cities began acknowledging PRIDE and created demonstrations to promote self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) people as a social group. They did this by hosting PRIDE parades, events, learning workshops, and more, creating the catalyst of the Gay rights movement in America.

Since then, PRIDE has taken on a new meaning, to Promote Respect, Inclusion, and Dignity for Everyone. LGBTQ+ equity and racial equity are fundamentally connected, and though both groups have made strides, there is still a lot of work that needs to be done to create a more inclusive environment for all.

Here are a few ways you can support the LGBTQ+ community this month and every day because, let’s be honest, genuine support surpasses a month or a day that’s dedicated to a cause.

Become an Ally

Allyship is crucial for any marginalized group that is systemically disadvantaged. An ally is typically someone who holds systemic power and can rely on that power to promote social justice, inclusion, and human rights for others. Becoming an ally for the LGBTQ+ community can be as simple as educating others or portraying public support on the struggles and fear that members deal with on a daily basis.

Respect Pronouns

Cisgender can sometimes be tricky. It’s something we’re all still learning about, but the best way to be respectful of how a person identifies is by offering your pronouns (he/him/his, she/her/hers, they/them/theirs, etc.) and politely asking others how they would like to be identified as opposed to just assuming. To learn more about gender identity visit A Guide To Gender Identity Terms

Donate To An LGBTQ+ Organization

p>There are multiple organizations that are fighting to create equality within the LGBTQ+ community and end any stigma associated. The proceeds donated to these organizations help provide mental health care, housing, scholarships, and more to those identified as LGBTQ+. Here are a few groups that are currently doing phenomenal work that you can donate to.

• The Los Angeles LGBT Center is the nation’s largest LGBTQ organization, with 800 employees who provide programs, services and global advocacy in the areas of medical and mental health, social services and education for individuals and their families. Lalgbtcenter.org
• The Trevor Project provides crisis intervention and suicide prevention programs and services for people younger than 25. Thetrevorproject.org
• Gay for Good is a community-building organization that promotes a better world through service projects such as park restorations, providing meals for the homeless and volunteer work. Gayforgood.org
• The It Gets Better Project is a national nonprofit that aims to empower and connect individuals as they navigate their sexuality and gender identity. Itgetsbetter.org

Show Your Support

The easiest way to support LGBTQ+ rights is to attend a PRIDE parade! This week, millions of people across the country will stand in solidarity and march for those who identify as LGBTQ+ and have been fighting for their basic human rights. Showing up to a PRIDE event/parade not only shows your allyship but is a great way to educate yourself on the struggles the community faces on a regular. Here are a few cities that will be hosting PRIDE parades and socially distanced/virtual events across the country. A few unique PRIDE events include:

• San Francisco, will not have a parade, but will have a Pride movie night with face masks and social distancing required.
• Atlanta Pride Run is also happening this year in person. The run is for generating LGBTQ awareness in the community. You can also participate in this event virtually.
• OTV #4theQulture Virtual Summit an intersectional virtual Pride program that celebrates, centers, and advocates for LGBTQ+ artists, community, and causes using media to change the world. Tapping into the talents of its intersectional communities, this FREE two-day experience will take place virtually on June 26th & 27th. Registrants will gain access to a generous handful of highly stylized meditations, reflections, chitty-chats, talks, workshops, and more.

For a full list of PRIDE, events visit: Pride Events Worldwide

MVP Staffing supports the LGBTQ+ community and works to create an inclusive work environment for members of the LGBTQ+ community. We believe it is important to have your voice heard, which is why we have an open-door policy with employees and members of leadership that encourages freedom of speech.