Q43: More Than Just A Rainbow, Celebrate Pride Month

Image by Franz P. Sauerteig from Pixabay

A Friend
​A close friend of mine's daughter had suicidal thoughts because she is a lesbian. My friend embraced her child. She reaffirmed her love, empathy, and support. Being a lesbian did not matter. Today, this child has completed college. This experience prompted me to expand my knowledge and research about suicidal ideation in LGBTQ+ children and youth. It was when I realized, I had to do more for LGBTQ+ children and youth. Each year, I devote time to celebrate Pride Month.

Did you know? According to The Trevor Project, LGBTQ+ young people are not inherently prone to suicide risk because of their sexual orientation or gender identity but rather placed at higher risk because of how they are mistreated and stigmatized in society.  The Trevor Project’s 2023 U.S. National Survey on the Mental Health of LGBTQ+ Young People found that 41% of LGBTQ+ young people seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year, including roughly half of transgender and nonbinary youth. These numbers are gravely disturbing to me as a mother, clinician, and human. No one deserves to feel disrespected for embracing themselves, which is why I celebrate Pride Month. 

Celebrate Pride Month
Embracing the spirit of Pride Month is a time for joy and celebration. We honor diversity and inspire hope for LGBTQ+ children and youth. It is a reminder to help them grasp their true selves while celebrating their uniqueness. Even if you have mixed feelings, you must commemorate Pride Month because it offers numerous benefits that can positively impact the development, understanding, and acceptance of diversity in LGBTQ+ children and youth. 

Celebrating Pride Month is about honoring the history, achievements, and contributions of the LGBTQ+ community while advocating for ongoing equality and rights. History teaches LGBTQIA+ children and youth to build their intellectual, social, and emotional development which helps them to develop their identity and inspire future generations. Pride Month is saluted through this blog by sharing several key aspects of why the LGBQ+ children and youth should be celebrated:

1. Commemoration of LGBTQ+ History and Struggles
Pride Month, observed in June, commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969, also called the Stonewall Uprising, which was a pivotal moment in the LGBTQ+ gay rights movement. Remembering the Stonewall Riots, where LGBTQ+ individuals protested against police brutality and discrimination, marking a significant turning point in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. Honoring activists and leaders who have fought for LGBTQ+ rights and visibility is inspirational for me. It also challenges stereotypes and misinformation about the LGBTQ+ community. Examples of LGBTQ+ community activists that can be shared to empower LGBTQ+ children and youth include:

• Harvey Milk
• Barbara Gittings
• Billie Jean King
• Marsha P. Johnson
• Laverne Cox
• Pete Buttigieg
• Amanda Stenberg
• Rebeka Bruesehoff

2. Celebrate LGBTQ+ Identity and Culture
Attend Pride celebrations including parades, festivals, or other events. Create your own Pride celebration at home with decorations, music, and activities. Another way to celebrate is to affirm a child or youth's identity by using the their chosen name and pronouns. This acknowledges and supports their choice. Regularly tell LGBTQ+ children and youth that their identity is valid, important, and something to be proud of along with other positive affirmations. 

"Pride Month is one month, but inclusion is a daily way of celebrating the LGBTQ+ community," says Dr. Jason P. Chambers, Associate Dean for Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, College of Media, University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Other ways that we can show LGBTQ+ children and youth that we support them everyday can include:

1. Normalize Conversations About Diversity

• Use language that is inclusive and non-discriminatory in everyday conversations.
• Avoid making assumptions about gender and sexual orientation. Model respectful and affirming behavior.
• Make these daily conversations as natural as any other topic.
• You need to be content with normalizing the idea that being LGBTQ+ is just one of many ways to be human.
• Ensure that LGBTQ+ individuals and stories are represented in books, media, and educational materials used in the home and classroom.

2. Provide Support Without Singling Out

• Offer support and resources to LGBTQ+ children and youth in a way that respects their privacy. Please do not single them out; this hurts. 
• Empower LGBTQ+ children and youth by providing them with tools and resources to feel confident and self-assured without drawing undue attention to their identity.

3. Encourage Friendships and Peer Support

• Encourage friendships and peer support groups that include LGBTQ+ and non-LGBTQ+ children. Mixed groups help normalize diversity. 
• Plan activities and games that are inclusive and promote teamwork and cooperation among all children and youth.
• Connect LGBTQ+ children and youth with older LGBTQ+ individuals who can serve as positive role models and mentors. 

4. Create a Safe and Supportive Environment

• Ensure that home, school, and community environments are safe and welcoming. Also, establish and enforce anti-bullying policies.
• Surround LGBTQ+ children and youth with supportive adults, (i.e., teachers, family members, and community leaders) who can provide guidance and affirmation.
• Participating in parades, festivals, and other events that highlight LGBTQ+ culture, art, music, and contributions. Participate in Pride parades and festivals that celebrate LGBTQ+ identity with colorful displays, music, and performances. Promoting the visibility and acceptance of LGBTQ+ identities and celebrating the diversity within your community.
• Encourage LGBTQ+ children and youth to express themselves through art, music, writing, or other creative activities. This can be a powerful way to explore and affirm their identity.
• Support LGBTQ+ children and youth in exploring their personal style, including clothing, hairstyles, and other forms of self-expression. You may not always agree; however, you can support individual differences. 

5. Advocacy for Equality and Rights

• Advocating for the legal and social rights of LGBTQ+ individuals, including marriage equality, anti-discrimination laws, and equal access to healthcare
• Educating the public about issues affecting the LGBTQ+ community and advocating for policy changes to address these issues.
• Incorporate LGBTQ+ topics into the child’s education, including history, literature, and social studies. Use age-appropriate materials that include LGBTQ+ characters and themes.
• Building and strengthening support networks within the LGBTQ+ community and with allies.
• Embolden allies to show their support and stand up against discrimination and prejudice. 

6. Provide Access to Resources and Support

• Consider providing access to LGBTQ+ affirmative counseling or therapy if needed. Mental health professionals can offer support and coping strategies.
• Connect with LGBTQ+ organizations that offer resources, support groups, and community events for children and their families.

Conclusion
While everyone is unique, we all share much in common. Together, we can model inclusive behavior and demonstrate respect and acceptance in all interactions with LGBTQ+ children and youth. We can help LGBTQ+ children feel proud and confident in their identities. This support lays the foundation for a healthy, happy, and celebrate themselves daily, not just during Pride Month. 

​Resources:
The Trevor Project: www.thetrevorproject.org/resources/article/facts-about-lgbtq-youth-suicide/
History: www.history.com/news/stonewall-riots-timeline
​Harvey Milk: milkfoundation.org/about/harvey-milk-biograph
Barbara Gittings: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Barbara_Gittings
Billie Jean King: www.billiejeanking.com/
Marsha P. Johnson: marshap.org/
Laverne Cox: lavernecox.com/
Pete Buttigieg: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pete_Buttigieg
Amanda Stenberg: en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amandla_Stenberg
Rebeka Bruesehoff: www.rebekahbruesehoff.com/about

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