Pride Month matters.
It matters because itโs an important time to remember, first, that 2SLGBT+* people are not alone. Approx. 7.1% (Gallup, 2022) of the American population self-identify as part of the 2SLGBT+ community. This reality, coupled with unique circumstances and challenges we face, can easily create feelings of isolation in our lives. We are part of a wide net of brilliant, beautiful, successful, empathetic people who love and support us.
Pride Month is a time to remember the massive achievements in securing our civil rights. Itโs a time to refresh our commitment to being involved in the political and social institutions required of us to secure equality under the law, for ourselves, our friends and relatives, and the next generations. Itโs a time to celebrate the heroes that walk amongst us and those that came before us and fought for the freedoms we enjoy.
Pride Month is also a time to remember who YOU are to your community. I believe that 2SLGBT+ people have unique gifts to offer their communities, born from their struggles, physiological traits (ie. increased communication across brain hemispheres), and our historically significant cultural roles across time and place. Remember who you are and how you make life better, and shine that light brightly!
*2SLGBT+: Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender + community