Pride Month

This June we celebrate Pride Month to pay tribute to those involved in the historic Stonewall Riots that occurred in New York on June 28, 1969. Marsha P. Johnson, a Black, transgender, bisexual woman led the movement in order for it to continue over the course of six days with protests. Protesters demanded the establishment of places where LGBT+ individuals could be open about who they are without the fear of being arrested. Additionally, ‘The Mother of Pride,’ Brenda Howard, organized Gay Pride Week and the Christopher Street Liberation Day Parade a year after the Stonewall Riots. Gay Pride Week has since transformed into the New York City Pride March which founded the formation of pride parades and marches around the world. Commemorations and memorials are also held during the month of June to remember members of the community who have lost their lives to hate crimes and HIV/AIDS. 

Currently, the LGBTQIA+ community is under political attack and it’s essential to create a safe and supportive environment for LGBTQIA+ youth so they feel connected and cared for which is proven to promote better health and well-being. When schools implement supportive policies and practices, all students are seen to experience better health outcomes. This is due to the fact that LGBTQIA+ youth face a higher risk of poor mental health, violence, and HIV than non-LGBTQIA+ individuals. During the COVID-19 pandemic, LGBQ+ high school students were four times more likely to attempt suicide than their heterosexual peers. Additionally during the pandemic, 20% of LGBQ+  students reported being physically abused in their home while that figure was 10% for heterosexual students. 

When students feel connected and supported by their school community, they benefit socially, emotionally, and academically. Schools that implement supportive policies and practices have students that experience less emotional distress, violence and harassment, and suicidal behaviors. The CDC has reported that the What Works in Schools program has practices that benefit both LGBTQ+ students as well as heterosexual students. The What Works in Schools program includes establishing Gender and Sexuality Alliances (GSA), conducting professional development for school staff on inclusivity, identifying safe spaces, and implementing anti-harassment policies. 

Sources: CDC, National Today