LGBTQ+ Pride Month

pride month

June is PRIDE Month


June 1st marks the beginning of PRIDE month. In light of the public discourse, it is more important than ever that we create a school community in which our LGBTQ students and families feel safe and supported. With this in mind, the resources below are designed to:

- Expand our collective knowledge of the history, contributions, and experiences of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning/queer (LGBTQ) children, adults, and families
- Expand our knowledge and understanding of key terms
- Share strategies and recommendations to enhance the experiences of LGBTQ students in our community
- Provide books for students in grades K-12 that highlight the experiences of LGBTQ children, adults, and families in authentic ways

It is important to keep in mind that these resources are not designed to teach LGBTQ topics, but rather to deepen our knowledge, allow authentic opportunities for students to see themselves (serving as mirrors), and to gain some insight into the experiences of their classmates, neighbors, and friends (serving as windows).


Pride Month was initially inspired by the 1969 Stonewall Uprising, and works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ (lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning) Americans. The purpose of the month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on society locally, nationally, and internationally. Although Pride Month has been celebrated for more than 50 years, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 2000. President Barack Obama expanded the observance in 2011 to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

While we celebrate Pride Month in June, October is LGBT History Month. It was established in 1994 by Rodney Wilson, a high school history teacher in Missouri. In 1995, a resolution passed by the General Assembly of the National Education Association included LGBT History Month within a list of commemorative months. October was celebrated to coincide with the anniversary of the first march on Washington for gay and lesbian rights in 1979 and National Coming Out Day, which is October 11th. 

Pride Month presents an opportunity to strengthen visibility and extend the sense of community. It is also a time to highlight important policy and resource issues the community faces. This year's theme is "Reflect. Empower. Unite."

 

Interesting Facts


1. The first documented U.S. gay rights organization, The Society for Human Rights (SHR) was founded in 1924 by Henry Gerber, a German immigrant. America's first lesbian rights organization, The Daughters of Bilitis, was formed in San Francisco on September 21, 1955. 
2. Approximately 5-10% of the general population is lesbian, gay, bisexual, or transgender.
3. On February 12, 2004, the first same-sex marriage in the United States happened in San Francisco, California. Del Martin and Phyllis Lyon became the first gay couple to marry and receive official recognition after being together for 50 years. It is important to recognize that prior to European colonization, same sex unions occurred.
4. Sao Paulo, Brazil holds the Guinness World Record for the number of attendees at a pride event, with three to five million people attending the event every year. 
5. Every color in the LGBTQIA+ flag has a meaning:
               - Red: Life
               - Orange: Healing
               - Yellow: Sunlight
               - Green: Nature
               - Blue: Harmony
               - Violet: Spirit


Tough Truths


(Results of the Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2022 Report)

1. 73% of LGBTQ youth reported feeling symptoms of anxiety, while 58% reported experiencing symptoms of depression. 
2. 73% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have experienced discrimination based on their sexual orientation or gender identity at least once in their lifetime. 
3. 45% of LGBTQ youth have seriously considered attempting suicide. 
4. 36% of LGBTQ youth reported that they have been physically threatened or harmed due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity. 
5. 60% of LGBTQ youth who wanted mental health care in the past year were not able to get it. The most common reasons were: 
- Fear of discussing mental health issues (48%)
- Concerns with obtaining parent/caregiver permission (45%)
- Fear of not being taken seriously (43%)
6. 91% of transgender and non-binary youth worry about transgender people being denied access to the bathroom, and 83% are worried about access to sports due to state or local laws

A Couple of Bright Spots

1. LGBTQ youth who live in a community that is accepting of LGBTQ people reported significantly lower rates of attempting suicide compared to those who do not. 
- 37% identified home as an LGBTQ-affirming space
- 55% identified school as an LGBTQ-affirming space
2. The five most common ways that LGBTQ youth reported feeling supported by their parents or caregivers are:
- Been welcoming to their LGBTQ friends or partners (62%)
- Talked with them respectfully about their LGBTQ identity (48%)
- Used their name and pronouns correctly (47%)
- Supported their gender expression (45%)
- Educated themselves about LGBTQ people and issues (35%)
3. 89% of LGBTQ youth reported that seeing LGBTQ representation in TV/movies made them feel good about being LGBTQ. 


Upcoming PRIDE Events



General Information



Resources for Educators



Books- Preschool to Young Adult/Adult



Books- Elementary



Books- Middle School



Books- High School



Local Organizations

 

Kulpsville/Montgomery County PFLAG

 

PFLAG is the nation's largest family and ally organization supporting people who are LGBTQ. Email [email protected] for more information on meeting times and location.


The Montgomery County (PA) LGBTQ+ School Safety Consortium (Facebook group)

 

Montco LGBTQ+ School Safety Consortium is a gathering space for published articles on LGBTQ youth and school safety. It encourages thoughtful discussions on how to create and improve policies that will keep our kids safe.


Abington Library Rainbow Connections

 

For youth ages K-5, check out their event calendar for more information! Offered both in-person and on Zoom.
 

Montgomery County LGBTQ Business Council