What is Pride Month?
Every June, we celebrate Pride Month, a time to celebrate and advocate for members of the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month is held in June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the US. What originally started out as a single day of celebration is now a month-long series of events in many major cities across the country.
Pride gatherings are rooted in the long history of minority groups who have struggled for decades to overcome prejudice and be accepted for who they are. These events typically include parades, parties, workshops, memorials, and more to celebrate the achievements of the LGBTQ+ community, as well as to honor the members of the community who are no longer with us.
Many Pride celebrations can be found locally in the month of June, including those in Seattle, Everett, Snohomish!
What does LGBTQ+ mean?
LGBTQ+ is an acronym meaning lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer or questioning. The plus is meant to include queer, intersex, and asexual people. These terms may also include gender fluid or nonbinary people, or people whose gender identity shifts overtime. Learn more here.
What is the Progress Pride Flag?
The Progress Pride flag is a modified version of the traditional rainbow flag, which has been a symbol for the LGBTQ+ community since the 1970’s. The Progress Pride Flag includes additional colors to represent more groups in the community, including people of color, trans individuals and those living with HIV/AIDs. The Progress Pride Flag is meant to emphasize the importance of intersectionality and inclusivity in the community, and the fight for equality for everyone. Learn more about the progress pride flag here.
What does it mean to be an ally?
Even if you are not a member of the LGBTQ+ community, you can be an ally! Allies are important and welcome members of the LGBTQ+ community, they work to stay informed on current issues and speak up for equality. The Human Rights Campaign Foundation has a great guide on how to be an LGBTQ+ ally, including these tips to show your allyship at in the worplace. Read the full allyship guide here
Add your pronouns to your email signature or share your pronouns when introducing yourself to new friends or colleagues.
• If you hear an anti-LGBTQ+ comment or joke, speak up and explain why such comments or jokes are harmful and offensive.
• Integrate inclusive language into your regular conversations, professional interactions and/or spiritual life.
• Put a supportive symbol or sign in your office or home, or on your vehicle. For example, you could wear an LGBTQ+ ally button, or add a rainbow sticker on your name badge at work
CHC provides gender-affirming care
Did you know that CHC provides gender affirming care? This includes hormone therapy, puberty blockers, and support for obtaining surgical treatments. All the Medicaid plans in WA (including CHPW) cover gender affirming treatments including surgery. In another sense, providers can provide gender affirming care through that we are affirming patients’ gender, pronouns, names, expression at every visit and interaction. Make an appointment with CHC here.
