June 10, 2013

June is LGBT Pride Month!

Submitted by AHRMA Diversity and Inclusion Committee

Just days ago, President Barack Obama once again officially recognized the month of June as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender (LGBT) Pride Month in the United States. This is only the 5th time a Pride Month has been officially declared by a President: the first came from President Bill Clinton (declared June of 2000 “Gay and Lesbian Pride Month”). The next declaration didn’t come until 2009, when President Obama proclaimed June to be LGBT Pride Month; President Obama went on to officially recognize June as LGBT Pride Month for each consecutive year since: 2010, 2011, 2012, and now 2013.

LGBT Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June. LGBT Pride Month was established to recognize the impact that gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals have on the world. The month of June was chosen in commemoration of the Stonewall riots (June 28, 1969 at the Stonewall Inn, Greenwich Village NYC: a series of violent riots put on by members of the LGBT community in response to a police raid of the Inn. Openly gay and lesbian people were not often welcome in many establishments in the 1950s and 1960s, and random police raids aimed at gay and lesbian patrons were common. The raid at Stonewall Inn drew a crowd who had had enough of the discrimination based on their sexual orientation, and a riot ensued).

Gay, lesbian, and bisexual groups celebrate this special month with pride parades, picnics, parties, group gatherings, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBT Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world. Memorials are also held during this month for those members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS. The last Sunday in June is Gay Pride Day.On May 31, 2011, President Obama stated in his proclamation: “I call upon all Americans to observe this month by fighting prejudice and discrimination in their own lives and everywhere it exists.” 

How will you observe and celebrate LGBT Pride Month?


Resources for additional information: 

PFLAG Austin (PFLAG is Parents, Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays): a 501(c)3 non-profit organization that was established in 1994, this is a local chapter of the National PFLAG organization supporting Central Texas. In addition to monthly meetings, the group participates in several events throughout the year to help drive awareness and community focus.  Their primary focuses include: Support for the families, friends, and individuals; Education on various resources to help inform their members and/or visitors. Resources include a book & video library, guest speakers, and booklets on specific topics; and Advocacy for equality, striving to make Central Texas a better place, with an offer for scholarship programs to help with financial aid for qualified LGBTQ students trying to further their education. 


Austin Gay & Lesbian Chamber of Commerce: AGLCC, Central Texas' home for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) supportive businesses and organizations.  According to their website: The Chamber is the best resource for places to shop, things to do, arts and entertainment, organizations to support, and all manner of gay-friendly businesses.

No comments:

Post a Comment