June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. LGBTQIA+ stands for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, and Asexual, and the + recognizes other identities not encompassed in the acronym. Pride, which originated as a commemoration of the Stonewall Riot, is a time of self-affirmation and increased visibility for LGBTQIA+ individuals. Beyond being a celebration, Pride is also an important time for the uplifting of advocacy work being done by the community. We’ve compiled a list of ways to help get you started celebrating, learning, and participating in advocacy work this Pride Month.
Celebrate Pride
- Zion Pride is a yoga and mental health fair raising money for Stand with Trans taking place on June 9th in Ypsilanti
- Attend Motor City Pride on June 8th & 9th in Hart Plaza
- Royal Oak is having a Family Pride Celebration at the Royal Oak Farmers Market on June 12th
- Grosse Pointe Pride will be taking place on June 15th
- Attend Pride in the Park on June 22nd in Rochester
Keep up-to-date on LGBTQIA+ Treatment Guidelines
As clinicians, it is important to be aware of the necessary guidelines for implementing affirming treatment with the LGBTQIA+ populations we work with. The American Psychological Association has suggested guidelines to assist clinicians in implementing this culturally competent practice with the LGBTQIA+ community, Guidelines for Psychological Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People and Guidelines for Psychological Practice with Sexual Minority Persons. Additional considerations for Affirming Psychological Practice With Transgender and Gender Nonconforming People of Color are also necessary. For more information on the relationship between Pride and psychology check out this blog from Dr. Shepler.
Learn About the History of LGBTQIA+ Activism and the History of Pride
- Stonewall National Monument Resources
- The History of Pride: How Activists Fought to Create LGBTQ+ Pride
- The LGBTQ+ Experience from PBS
- What’s Changed – and What Hasn’t – in 50 Years of Pride Parades
Buy From LGBTQIA+ Companies
- Detroit LGBT Chamber
- Visit Detroit: LGBTQ-Friendly Restaurants
- Visit Detroit: The Best LGBTQ Owned Shops in Detroit
- 25 Queer-Owned Businesses to Support This Pride Month
- 29 LGBTQ-Owned Businesses to Support During Pride Month and All Year Long
Local LGBTQIA+ Organizations to Support
Other Ways to Support
- Stay informed on anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation and how to fight it.
- Read LGBTQIA+ literature.
- Support LGBTQIA+ artists and musicians.
Most importantly keep learning and reflecting and remember that the challenges the LGBTQIA+ community faces are ongoing, not just history. Incorporate allyship into everyday action, not just during Pride Month.
