Happy Pride Month!
It is Pride month! Today, we dedicate Pride month to celebrate the voices and contributions of 2SLGBTQIA individuals as well as bring attention to the discrimination and violence still experienced. This month reminds us that these issues are not resolved and commitment from all members of society to fight for 2SLGBTQIA rights is imperative.
History of Pride Month
Pride is celebrated in June in honour of the 1969 Stonewall Riots. On June 28, 1969, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in Manhattan, with the intent of detaining and arresting patrons. This resulted in patrons, staff, and neighbourhood residents rioting and protesting for individuals to be able to go to establishments and be open about their sexual orientation without fear of being arrested.
Pride Events in Barrie and Toronto:
How to be an Ally (retrieved from CMHA):
1. GET EDUCATED: Read about the experiences of 2SLGBTQ+ people and their histories in Canada.
2. SPEAK UP: If you hear homophobic or transphobic comments, kindly intervene and offer another opinion.
3. INVEST: There are many charities and crowd funds that directly provide funds to 2SLGBTQ+ people and direct services. A little bit goes a long way.
4. USE APPROPRIATE PRONOUNS: Avoid assuming how people identify. Always ask what pronouns that individual identifies as (he/she/they, etc.).
5. ACCOMPANY: Go with your 2SLGBTQ+ friend or family member to a Pride event or display a rainbow flag or symbol in your home/office/car, etc. A small gesture can go a long way towards making someone feel accepted for who they are.
6. LISTEN: Often people in the 2SLGBTQ+ community have experienced bullying or some type of injustice based on their sexual or gender identity. Avoid giving advice or telling them what to do. Show empathy and listen to their story.
7. REFLECT: Being an ally is all about reflecting on assumptions or biases you or others around you may have and challenging yourself to be more open.
8. OBSERVE: There is no “rule book” on how to be a good ally. Observing how other allies support the 2SLGBTQ+ community may help you become a better ally.
9. LANGUAGE: Avoid using gendered language. This way, even if you are unaware of how an individual identifies, you are being inclusive. For example, use the term “partner” instead of asking someone if they have a boyfriend/girlfriend, etc.
10. BE KIND: Remember to be kind to members of the 2SLGBTQ+ community and to yourself! Being an ally is a verb, meaning that we are open and willing to actively support those of the 2SLGBTQ+ community.
Resources and Supports:
For further readings and resources, check out the links below: