June is Pride Month, a time to celebrate the LGBTQIA+ (Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and the + recognizes other identities not encompassed by the acronym) community. Pride began as a commemoration and celebration of the New York City Stonewall Uprising, which is often cited as the start of the modern LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights movement. According to Governor Whitmer’s proclamation for Pride Month, “Michigan has been at the forefront of advancing civil rights for LGBTQ+ people, beginning with the nation’s first non-discrimination ordinance passed in 1972 in East Lansing, and the nation’s first Civil Rights Commission to independently recognize that discrimination ‘because of sex’ includes sexual orientation and gender identity in 2018.” The rise in anti-LGBTQIA+ legislation over the past few years makes these, and other protections, all the more important.
For clinicians, Pride presents an opportunity to ensure proper awareness of the necessary guidelines for implementing affirming treatment with the LGBTQIA+ populations. 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.
In celebration of Pride Month, the Michigan School of Psychology is highlighting opportunities to join celebrations across Metro-Detroit this year.
Motor City Pride is the largest Pride celebration in the state and will be taking place in Hart Plaza on June 6th and 7th. Motor City Pride includes a parade taking place at noon on June 7th, multiple entertainment stages featuring LGBTQIA+ artists, and a variety of vendor booths highlighting LGBTQIA+ non-profits and small businesses
Warren City Pride strives to be a place for not only individuals, but also for families to gather in celebration and support of the LGBTQIA+ community. This year, Warren City Pride is taking place on June 13th at the Warren Civic Library. The event is free to attend, and all funds raised will be used to support LGBTQIA+ families in Warren and surrounding areas.
Schoolcraft College is hosting the Fourth Annual Livonia Pride Festival on June 20th from 11 AM to 2 PM. The event features local vendors, live entertainment, food, and family fun.
This year, Farmington is taking a new direction with its Pride celebrations and is launching its first-ever Pride Night Out in Downtown Farmington on June 20th from 4-8 PM. This event will be creating an evening of shared community through partnership with small businesses located in the downtown area.
Berkley Pride will be taking place from 1-5 PM on June 28th in downtown Berkley. Berkley Pride began as a grassroots gathering and has evolved into an annual celebration bringing thousands of people together to celebrate the spirit of belonging. Berkley Pride features a live DJ and music, vendor booths, food, a kids’ activity tent, and a teen lounge, which means there is truly something for everyone to enjoy.
Pride doesn’t just end in June! MSP’s student organization IDEA will be attending Royal Oak Pride on July 25th, and there are Pride events scheduled through September. For more of these opportunities, check out Pride Source’s LGBTQ+ Pride Calendar.