Happy Pride Month! 

For June, I want to do a few in-depth looks at some situations related to pride, such as the Stonewall Riots and allyship. So, to kick the month off, let’s talk about pride!

Unfortunately, discrimination against members of the LBGTQIA+ community is not uncommon and has been a constant throughout history. Discrimination makes it hard for community members to come out, be themselves and accept themselves. A movement was needed to help combat this hatred toward a community for absolutely no reason. The Stonewall Riots have been noted as the beginning of the LGBT movement. 

This is a movement that has been inspirational and transformed the lives of many LGBTQIA+ people. Without this movement, the life of members of the LGBTQIA+ community would be much different. Coming out and being out is now much more socially acceptable than it was before. We can celebrate the differences that make each person unique. 

June is Pride Month. Pride Month means you will see a lot of rainbows at Target, Hot Topic and Bath and Body Works. These rainbows are fantastic, and you can get some fun stuff from these places. You will also get to see a lot of people feeling safe to be unapologetically themselves, which is so beautiful. Pride is a month-long time of safety to celebrate differences and love, which is fantastic. 

Pride comes in so many different forms. Many events occur over the month, such as parades, concerts, workshops and parties. These are all ways to celebrate and push on the movement that started not that long ago. Celebrating being yourself and whatever your identity may be is a beautiful thing. Having a month-long celebration of that is such a fantastic thing. 

This year, pride events are finally happening again. COVID-19, unfortunately, canceled many events in 2020. New York City has released its schedule of events and the theme for this year’s Pride. If you happen to be in New York City at all this month, check out the fun stuff they have going on to celebrate love. A little closer to Ames, Des Moines is having a 30-day celebration of Pride this month. As far as Ames Pride events go, it looks like it will take place a bit later this year in a hybrid format. Is is super exciting to see Pride events are beginning to happen again and wonderful celebrations occurring! 

As we continue through Pride Month, I will be sharing more about the history of pride and the LGBTQIA+ community. Be a safe space for your friends, family and members of the LGBQTIA+ community, and be an ally. Spread love during this month and all year. Happy Pride!