Why Pride
Why Pride? What are the issues? LGBT pride (also known as gay pride or simply pride) is the promotion of the self- affirmation, dignity, equality and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a social group. Pride, as opposed to shame and social stigma, is the predominant outlook that molds most LGBT rights movements.
Pride can be supported in many ways. It does not need to be a rainbow shirt, a flag or a parade. It can be talking about it to your kids, your family and bringing awareness within your communities.
What does LGBTQ+ and Pride Lingo even mean
If you’re looking for a full glossary of LGBTQ+ terms, I encourage you to explore resources like GLAAD’s Media Reference Guide or the UC Davis LGBTQIA Resource Center glossary! But here are a few more crash-course-style vocab words to know
- Closeted: Someone who is not open about their sexual orientation
- Coming Out: A lifelong process of self-acceptance (and often, disclosure of one’s identity with others)
- Cisgender: Aligning with the gender you were assigned at birth
- Deadnaming: Calling a person by a name they no longer use
- Fluid: A term that alludes to someone’s gender identity changing over time
- Non-binary: A term used to describe someone whose gender identity or gender expression falls outside the binary of man or woman
- Unlabeled: Anyone who prefers to exist without labels or descriptions in regard to their sexual preferences, gender identity, or gender expression
Calling for Change
You can help! You can make a difference. A call, an email or a letter mailed USPS can add a voice to LGBTQ+ issues . Making meaningful change to the world, your world and the world of your children and grandchildren can be part of who you are.
First of all, you can actually call the White House! This number To reach the White House by phone, you can call 202-456-1111 is for us, the public to contact the white house. You can also send a handwritten letter to the White House at their iconic mailing address. You never know, President Biden might write you back. It happens!
The United States Senate has a page on their website dedicated to helping you find your senator. It is so easy. You just enter your ZIP code, hit enter, and the website will tell you who the Senators are for your state, which party they are and will link directly to their website, where their contact information will be listed. You can reach out and ask them to support LGBTQ+ issues. They need to know that we want that.
You can also call your state representative. The phone number 1-844-USA-0234 will allow you to get connected directly with your member of congress. It is so easy and it really can bring change.
What do I say?
If you’re nervous about what to say, 5 Calls is an organization that generates scripts for you to use while on the phone. Not everyone is comfortable saying what is on their mind and that is ok. They have a database of common causes people call their representatives about, as well as an ongoing newsletter on latest issues. These resources are there for you.
You can also use Resistbot. This is a tool that helps you connect to your elected officials via text message. Just text the word “RESIST” to 50409 and follow the directions they message back. Resistbot will turn your texts into a letter or email, and deliver it to the elected officials in an efficient, organized manner. They’ll allow you to “text” any of your elected officials — from your mayor to the President. You can do this from the comfort of your couch! You can be heard and you can help support the LGBTQ= community.
But I am not gay…
We do not have to be a member of the LGBTQ+ to be supportive. Learning about the issues that members of the community face is a great start. Human rights are for everyone, well they should be. Sadly, so many people do not understand that many teens and youth have little or no support when they come out. It can be painful and alienating.
One thing I learned, by my own mistake was not to out someone. Telling others that someone has come out to you, or is out in other ways, takes away their moment. It takes away their power to share their story and confidence. Having had no idea that even though I was supportive and happy for them, my telling others (and their offering support to that person) made them feel like I stole their thunder. Having no understanding of that led me to hurt someone I love and care about. Sincerely, I apologize for that. At that time, I was unaware that they wanted to share it with people. I thought my sharing it was being supportive. I was wrong.
What Organizations should I turn to if I want to help
If you are looking to find a list of great ways to be involved, you can find that right here. From global to local organizations, there are ways to reach out and to help. These organizations offer services to the LGBTQ+ community and you can find ways to help with these links.
Life is short and hard. Helping even one person feel less alone and less afraid is something we can do. The likelihood is you know someone who is a member of the LGBTQ+ community. You may not know it, but it is probable. Let’s all work to make the world we live in inclusive and loving. Is there really anything more important than being a good human being?
You can read more about my family here
