This month, we celebrate Pride – a chance to reflect on the progress made for those in the LGBTQ+ community, to learn about the issues most impacting their lives today and to speak up for those whose voices have been marginalized. While the community has seen significant victories in the last year (including protection from workplace discrimination won through a Supreme Court case that started here in Georgia), the work is far from finished.
As we start to return to in-person celebrations for Pride, it’s critical we remember the month is about more than parades and parties. In fact, Pride Month has its origins in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising – a protest led by black transgender women after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. You can learn more about the origins of Pride Month here.
At the moment, much of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is centered on transgender rights. Lawmakers across the country are actively considering legislation that restricts LGBTQ+ youth from participating in activities that match their gender identity. Violence against those who identify as transgender is at an all-time high, with 2020 being the deadliest year for the transgender community ever.
So what can you do? Start simple. Even the action of asking for someone’s pronouns, and sharing your own in email signatures and social profiles, can help foster acceptance and show your support. Here’s a guide to get started: https://www.mypronouns.org/how.
Throughout June, we’ll highlight the LGBTQ+ communicators increasing visibility for the community, and the issues that continue to impact their lives. In the meantime, here are a few resources to learn more:
Georgia Equality:
https://georgiaequality.org/
GLAAD:
https://www.glaad.org/
Human Rights Campaign:
https://www.hrc.org/
National Center for Transgender Equality:
https://transequality.org/
OUTGeorgia – Georgia’s LGBTQ Chamber of Commerce:
https://outgeorgia.org/