Support members of the LGBTQ+ community
Are you curious about the ways you can contribute to the safety and belonging of all people within our communities? While we focus on our LGBTQ+ community members during the month of June, you can support and embrace them throughout the year. Here are some ideas:
Volunteer with or donate to an LGBTQ+ advocacy organization
The Trevor Project: The world’s largest suicide prevention and crisis intervention organization for LBGTQ+ youth.
Transgender Law Center: The largest national trans-led organization supporting the trans community by providing legal expertise and advocating for safe and affirming spaces for trans youth.
GLSEN: Works with folks in school communities to ensure everyone is valued and respected regardless of sexual orientation or gender.
Trans Lifeline: A trans-led organization connecting trans folks to the resources they need to thrive.
Human Rights Campaign Empowering 3 million members and supporters to mobilize against attacks on the most marginalized people in our community.
Shop at LGBTQ+-owned small businesses
According to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, there are 1.4 million LGBTQ-owned businesses in the United States alone. Here are some Seattle-based businesses that also have online stores:
Babeland Sex toys for all
Coopers Optique Eyeware
Temple Pastries Yummy treats
Attend local virtual Pride events/festivals.
Learn more about the history of Pride
The Stonewall Reader by Jason Baumann
The Gay Revolution: The Story of the Struggle, by Lillian Faderman
Listen to more LGBTQ+ voices
Books:
Tenderness by Derrick Austin
The Perfume Thief by Timothy Schaffert
The Engagement: America's Quarter-Century Struggle Over Same-Sex Marriage by Sasha Issenberg
Podcasts:
Social Media:
Gena Jaffe (she/her) on Instagram (@genajaffe)
Casey Tanner (they/them) on Instagram (@queersextherapy)
Pattie Gonia (they/she/he) on Instagram (@pattiegonia)
Consume queer media and entertainment
TV Shows:
The L Word
Heartstopper
9-1-1 Lone Star
Movies:
Boys Don’t Cry (1999)
Love, Simon (2018)
The Kids Are All Right (2010)
Kissing Jessica Stein (2001)
Take steps to ensure your workplace provides equal right protections for all employees
All employees includes members of the LBGTQ+ community. Within your company, that might mean participating in or starting an Employee Resource Group (ERG) dedicated to inclusion or speaking out about injustices you see. You can also advocate for stronger state and nationwide nondiscrimination protections in workplaces beyond the scope of your own.
Advocate for quality and comprehensive sexual education in schools
You can start by helping to ensure these resources are available for kids and teens who you know.
Guess what? None of the items or action points on this list are limited to being practiced in June. So, continue celebrating the ethos of Pride all year, whether you're a member of the LGBTQ+ community or an ally, pick things from this list and make a post-June plan for yourself to continue them.
