June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month!

Greetings readers!

June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month, so happy Pride! Do you know the history of Pride Month? LGBTQ+ Pride month was first established by former president Bill Clinton in 1999. June was chosen as LGBTQ+ Pride month to honor an important event in the history of the gay rights movement: The Stonewall Rebellion (also called the Stonewall Riots). While modern LGBTQ+ Pride is considered a celebration, it is important to acknowledge the history of the protest and discrimination behind the event. Here is a link to a more detailed retelling of the Stonewall Rebellion.

With that in mind, here are some affirmations:

  • It is a privilege to get to know the real me.

  • I deserve love without conditions.

  • I am the expert when it comes to my own experience and identity.

  • My identity is empowering.

When discussing LGBTQ+ youth, it is important to know about the protective and risk factors that affect this group. For LGBTQ+ youth, having just one adult in their lives that is supportive of their gender and/or sexual identities lowers the risk of depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and attempting or completing suicide. 

With the ever-expanding language of LGBTQ+ identities, here are a few important distinctions:

  • Gender Identity describes a person’s own understanding and experience of their gender. 

  • Gender Expression is the way individuals show their gender identity to people around them, often through hairstyles, clothing, mannerisms, etc.

  • Sexual orientation is how individuals experience and express themselves sexually. This includes emotional, romantic, physical and/or sexual relationships. 

In honor of Pride Month, here are a few tips that are considered “best practices” for working with LGBTQ+ youth. Here’s how YOU can be a Prevention Partner:

  • Be intentional about creating safe spaces for LGBTQ+ youth. Whether it’s at home, at schools, or within the community. The following tips are guidelines for how to create a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth.

  • Get familiar with LGBTQ+ language! The above definitions are a good place to start, but here is a link to a more expansive list of LGBTQ+ identities and other relevant terms. 

  • Address and shut down anti-LGBTQ+ language when you hear it. Nearly all LGBTQ+ youth (98.8%) have heard other students, teachers, and adults in their lives use ‘gay’ in a derogatory or negative way. 

  • Normalize sharing pronouns and using inclusive language. When adults share and respect youth’s preferred pronouns and use inclusive language, non-LGBTQ+ youth are more likely to as well. Using a gender-expansive youth’s correct names and pronouns is a form of suicide prevention for this population. 

  • If an LGBTQ+ youth discloses their identity to you, do not share that information with others unless you have the youth’s consent. Coming out can be dangerous or even deadly for some LGBTQ+ youth. Respecting a youth’s right to privacy and confidentiality is a key aspect of a safe space. 

  • To learn more about creating a safe space for LGBTQ+ youth, click this link.