Pride promotes self-affirmation, dignity, and equality, and is the birthright — or should be — of every person of every sexual orientation and gender identity.
The earliest recorded Pride demonstration was held by the Gay community in New York City in June of 1970 to commemorate the first anniversary of the Stonewall riots in Manhattan. Pride Day, as it came to be known, soon grew to encompass a month-long series of events and, in 1999, June was designated as Pride Month by the White House.
Today, LGBTQ+ Pride Month celebrates love, acceptance, and freedom of expression. Many who identify with gender and sexual diversity are vulnerable to discrimination and hate crimes. Proof of this vulnerability is found in the disproportionately high representation of LGBTQ+ youth impacted by school discipline and the justice system.
A study by the Children’s Defense Fund found that hostility towards LGBTQ+ youth subjects teens to punitive responses, pushes them out of their schools and homes, and leads to justice system involvement.
Some startling facts affecting our vulnerable youth:
• One in 10 students report being disciplined simply because they were LBGTQ+.
• 40% of LGBTQ+ students reported receiving detention, suspension, or expulsion from school.
• LGBTQ+ youth are 120% more likely to experience homelessness than non-LGBTQ+ youth.
• Of girls who are incarcerated, 50% identify as LGBTQ+.
Furthermore, LGBTQ+ youth of color are at a higher risk of being subjected to strictly punitive responses. CYS works with our school district and justice system partners to put an end to harmful punitive responses and transition to systems of support, resource connections, and advocacy for young people experiencing the trauma of family or community rejection.
Join us in supporting equality, visibility, and justice for LGBTQ+ youth — all throughout the year!
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