"This film is a radical act of love . . . We have so much work to do, and this film is the start of something new.” —Eva Reign at the 34th Annual GLAAD Media Awards

For almost 25 years, June has been recognized as Pride Month, coinciding with the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprisings led by Black and brown trans women like Marsha P. Johnson and Sylvia Rivera in New York City. As we reflect on Pride Month, we recognize that terms like "resilience" and "pride" carry deep meaning. While they signify strength and healing, it is crucial to approach these words thoughtfully within the context of the ongoing fight for LGBTQ+ liberation.

To date, states have introduced hundreds of bills attacking the rights of LGBTQ+ children and adults—particularly trans folks—from thriving in the places they live, work, and play. Plans of the Proud Boys to target Pride celebrations across the country further agitate ongoing campaigns to make Pride events safe particularly for Black and brown folks. And yet, there are many victories from the last year and reasons to celebrate as activists and community leaders continue paving the road to pride.
 
As we continue the journey to embed racial justice into our work, we must also examine the intersection of LGBTQ+ and racial justice, including how Black and brown LGBTQ+ folks are disproportionately impacted by community violence. Pride is founded on a riot but it is also a time to reflect over the many ways community organizations resist, carve space for mental health and healing in light of the realities facing LGBTQ+ people.

Act Now: The Human Rights Campaign declared a ‘State of Emergency’ for LGBTQ+ Americans. Read their guidebook to understand the discriminatory laws affecting LGBTQ+ individuals in each state.

Communities of Care & The Joy of Juneteenth: 

Our Communities of Care (CoC) initiative focuses on supporting mental health and wellbeing, especially among children and youth of color and their families in the greater Houston Metropolitan Area. CoC focuses on transforming community conditions—from living and learning environments to workplaces, recreational spaces, and places of worship—to ultimately foster resilience and wellbeing. With support from the Hogg Foundation for Mental Health, the CoC collaboratives are committed to meeting individuals in their communities wherever they may be on their journey and offering diverse actions that support mental health and wellbeing.
 
Watch our Juneteenth Conversation with CoC partner, Jonathan Warren of The Future Is US Galveston. We discussed the history of Juneteenth, which started in Galveston, Texas, and the important and revolutionary choice to be joyful and celebrate as an act of resistance.

Watch and read with us this Pride Month. Check out our staff picks for books and films celebrating LGBTQ+ history, culture, and pride.