In my travels locally and nationally, many folks both gay and straight still have no idea that June is designated as National Gay Pride Month.  I look forward to celebrating this month as for many it is the start of an exciting summer full of wonderful activities and getting out there.  Getting out there is the key as we all need to show ourselves, the people and communities to not only educate the world, but the people who love us and nurture us.  It is a time to let our secret keepers (our friends) of our sexuality break free and for us to come out proud and strong.

As a LGBTQ community we are still under the constant threat of violence, un-equal rights and fear of losing our jobs and housing just for being who we are.  Worldwide the persecution of gays and lesbians is still continuing and is a violation of human rights in the very core of our existence.   We all need to take time and step out of the box and give back to our community.  It is with our strength, voices and passion that we will get full equality for all.  All of this can be achieved as we recommit this month to move forward and share with our friends, loved ones, neighbors and co-workers, who we are and why our rights are important like everyone else’s.  It is with that passion that the younger LGBTQ generation can live equal and better lives.  More than likely, better than what we had.

The last Sunday of June is Gay Pride Day and is celebrated in many cities across the USA.  On June 2, 2000, former President Bill Clinton declared June "Gay & Lesbian Pride Month". The month was chosen to remember the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan that is thought to be the beginning of the gay liberation movement in the United States.  The riots were violent and passionate demonstrations against a police raid that took place on June 28, 1969 at the stonewall Inn in the Greenwich Village neighborhood of New York City.  The gay community fought back and history was made in starting the gay rights movement in the United States and all around the world.

Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer individuals have had a huge impact on our world. The contributions are creating change and moving all of us into a better future.  Our schools are not teaching our younger generation about LGBTQ history, so it is important that we are sharing our stories and telling people who we are.  If we don’t share and talk about our history, no one will do it for us. 

Celebrate this special time with all LGBTQ folks and our straight allies with passion, laughter and integrity.  Get out there and be a part of the pride parades, picnics, parties, memorials for those lost from hate crimes as well as HIV and AIDS, and other group gathering events that attract thousands upon thousands of individuals.  Welcome the community with open arms and know that all of our voices together, will make a big difference for the future of so many people.