This month, we celebrate Pride – a chance to reflect on the progress made for those in the LGBTQ+ community, to learn about the issues most impacting their lives today and to speak up for those whose voices have been marginalized.
While the community has seen significant victories in the last year (including a Supreme Court case that protects all from workplace discrimination), the work is far from finished. In fact, members of the LGBT population continue to experience worse physical and mental health outcomes than their heterosexual counterparts. Healthy People 2030 has identified nationwide objectives to understand and improve the health of the LGBT population. It’s critical that we include all in our work to improve health equity.
Currently, much of the fight for LGBTQ+ equality is centered on transgender rights. Lawmakers across the country are actively considering legislation that restricts LGBTQ+ youth from participating in activities that match their gender identity. Violence against those who identify as transgender is at an all-time high, with 2020 being the deadliest year for the transgender community ever.
So, what can you do?
Start simple. Even the action of asking for someone’s pronouns and sharing your own in email signatures and social profiles, can help foster acceptance and show your support. Here’s a guide to get started.
If you don’t identify as a member of this community, there are ways you can help and support their journey. Here are 10 ways to be an Ally & a Friend.
This month is about more than parades and parties. Pride Month has its origins in the 1969 Stonewall Uprising – a protest led by black transgender women after police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay bar in New York City. To learn more about the origins of Pride Month, visit.
In the meantime, here are a few resources to learn more:
Equality Virginia: https://equalityvirginia.org/
The DC Center for the LGBTQ Community: https://thedccenter.org/
Equality Chamber of Commerce DC Metro Area: https://www.eccdc.biz/
GLAAD: https://www.glaad.org/
Human Rights Campaign: https://www.hrc.org/
National Center for Transgender Equality: https://transequality.org/
Health Professionals Advancing LGBTQ Equality (GLMA): http://www.glma.org
Healthy People: Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Health: https://www.healthypeople.gov/2020/topics-objectives/topic/lesbian-gay-bisexual-and-transgender-health