LGBT Pride Month is commemorated through events held annually throughout June.
The 2016 Pride Month will be forever remembered as a time of threats, violence and hateful rhetoric and posturing; the impact has been and will continue to be felt across communities and across the globe.
Historically, members of the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender community have long been subjected to violence and discrimination. In fact, the roots of Pride Month can be found in the Stonewall Rebellion in New York City (June 1969), in which bar patrons fought back against police aggression and majority privilege in what is often viewed as the start of LGBTQ civil rights movement.
On June 16, 2016, while speaking in Orlando, President Barack Obama stated, “we need to be looking after each other and protecting each other at all times”. With these words in mind, today we find diverse communities of LGBT persons and allies ‘fighting’ side-by-side to promote equity through advocacy, education, policy and legislative change.
Social workers have a critical role in supporting community members and to work for LGBTQ equity. Social work practice is rooted in the value of self-determination and autonomy. We are called to confront discrimination and stigmatizing policies and practice that may exist within our agencies, our communities, and governance structures. Whether as members of the LGBT community, friends and colleagues, and/or service providers, we are all allies in the shared commitment to equal rights in the United States and around the globe.
In proclaiming June 2016 as LGBT Price Month, President Barack Obama called upon the people of the United States to eliminate prejudice everywhere it exists, and to celebrate the great diversity of the American people. He recognized that the fight for dignity and equality for lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people is reflected in the tireless dedication of advocates and allies who strive to forge a more inclusive society.
Resources:
National Association of Social Workers (NASW) – LGBT Issues and Resources
Behavioral Health Services to Foster Resilience, Substance Use Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)
Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) – LGBT Health
Administration for Children and Families (ACF) – Programs and Services for LGBT children, youth, and families
Health and Human Services (HHS) – Health & Well-being for LGBT Americans
Movement Advancement Project (MAP) – Research, insight and analysis that promotes LGBT equity.
Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA)– Ending Conversation Therapy.
Last month, the 12th Annual International Day Against Homophobia, Transphobia and Biphobia (IDAHOT).
For more information about NASW’s work to promote LGBT equity, please contact Evelyn Tomaszewski, Senior Policy Associate, at etomaszewski@naswdc.org
