Three years ago, I shared my child’s story of gender discovery. Not everyone was supportive, and that was expected. I only cared about sharing our journey.
My child was ten at the time, and they’ve been questioning their gender identity for several years prior to my post. Since then, I started educating myself about the LGBTQIA+ community and especially the trans community, where my child was under their umbrella.
To honor Pride Month, I’m sharing some of what I’ve learned over the years and focusing on what really matters.
First of all, you should know that Pride is not about turning straight kids into queer kids. Pride is about not turning queer kids into dead kids. It’s a heartbreaking fact that LGBTQIA+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide than their peers. The Trevor Project estimates that more than 1.8 million LGBTQIA+ youth in the United States seriously consider suicide each year. And at least one attempted suicide every 45 seconds.
Sadly, so many are still denying the LGBTQIA+ community the mere right to exist and exercise their basic rights peacefully. The milder comments, “Why Pride Month, you don’t see straight people having a Straight Day,” or the infamous “I’m ok with them, just don’t shove it in my face,” to the most heinous comments we hear every day including death threats upon members of the community, that my child received and still receive consistently.
The fact that some choose hate is beyond me. And the fact that some act on their hate infuriates me. How is someone’s identity that has nothing to do with you a threat to you? It is something I’ll never understand.
I’m advocating for LGBTQIA+ rights and encourage you now more than ever to raise your voice and stand in unity and support. No one deserves hate for being who they are. No one deserves to be discriminated against, period. No one deserves to live in fear for their lives for living their truth.
That’s why there’s Pride. Unfortunately, violence and discrimination against members of the LGBTQIA+ community haven’t ended yet. The trans community, especially, is under vicious attacks.
That’s why we, as allies, need to support, empower, and stand together against hate. Here are some ways to support year-round.
- Put your money where your values are by supporting queer and trans-owned businesses, especially disabled or POC.
- Donate to local LGBTQIA+ organizations, particularly those focused on supporting trans youth and lifesaving initiatives.
- Show up at rallies, parades, protests, and events. Remember, Pride started as a riot, an uprising against violence and discrimination.
- Share content on social media and spread awareness.
- Protect LGBTQIA+ youth by speaking out against anti-trans legislation, book bans, and school censorship. Advocate for inclusive education and safe spaces for all.
- Practice community care by checking on your queer neighbor and ensuring their needs are met.
- Educate yourself and others by learning LGBTQIA+ history and help revive it and teach it to others.
- Vote and engage locally.
- Create a safe space.
