“We should indeed keep calm in the face of difference, and live our lives in a state of inclusion and wonder at the diversity of humanity” -George Takei
Happy Pride month! One of my favourite things about June, is watching all the beautiful flags being raised around Waterloo Region. I wish they could stay up all year round! This year, I noticed my old high school had decked out their front stairs in rainbow streamers and flags. I love that they are showing their pride, love and acceptance for fellow LGBTQ+ students, friends, family and the community.
I’m sad that in person Pride celebrations had to be cancelled this year. I really wanted to get to Toronto for the parade. But I guess I will have to wait another year for when it is hopefully safe again to be in large crowds.
But just because events had to be cancelled, doesn’t mean that there can’t be virtual celebrations! On June 28th at 2:00PM you can watch Pride Toronto’s new virtual parade. Check out Pride Toronto’s website for more information about Pride, and the virtual events they have planned for June.
So since we all can’t be together to support and celebrate pride, how can you show up for your LGBTQ+ community during Pride month and all year round?
1. Learn about the Toronto riots, and Canadian LGBTQ+ history.
2. Learn about the 1969 Stonewall uprising in Manhattan and American LGBTQ+ history.
3. Learn more about the discrimination LGBTQ+ people still face now in Canada and around the world.
4. Take some time to learn about what those letters in LGBTQ+ mean.
5. Learn and practice using the gender pronouns that people go by.
6. Donate to organizations that support LGBTQ+.
7. Talk with your children about the different ways families are configured and there are lots of great books out there to help you do that.
8. Stick up for LGBTQ+ people when you hear others using discriminatory language.
9. Support LGBTQ+ businesses and organizations in your community.
10. Take a deep look at your self, and notice what attitudes, beliefs and thoughts need to be changed. Start that change!
Sessions with Linz 