Celebrating Pride
[Photo: Philadelphia’s first Gay Pride Parade, marching east on Chestnut St. on June 11, 1972. Photo by Harry Eberlin, John J Wilcox Jr. LGBT Archives via Philadelphia LGBT Mapping Project ]
Make The World Better stands in support of the LGBTQ+ community here at home in Philadelphia and around the globe today and always.
For decades, the LGBTQ+ community has fought to make the world a better place so that all can freely and openly live their lives. This weekend marks the 51st anniversary of the Stonewall Riots (also referred to as the Stonewall Uprisings). On June 28, 1969, Marsha “Pay It No Mind” Johnson, a Black activist, and many others had the courage to stand against police violence. The riots that followed marked a crucial moment in the gay liberation movement and the continued fight for LGBTQ+ rights.
Within the past few weeks in our own city of Philadelphia, we have witnessed Pride marches in support of Black Lives Matter and a call for justice for Dominique “Rem’Mie” Fells and other Black trans women. These tragic deaths are a reminder of the continued violence and injustices against members of the Black and LGBTQ+ communities. As we continue to educate ourselves and support, we must remember that the struggle continues daily.
Moreover, we are once again reminded of the invaluable contributions the LGBTQ+ community has made and continues to make in the fight for a just world.
To that end, here’s some links to celebrate and support the LGBTQ+ community this weekend and beyond. These are ways to learn, help and make community, but they are far from the only ways. We encourage you to check them out, share, and continue to find new ways in which to support.
To all those celebrating, Happy Pride!
DONATE to the The Okra Project, which delivers meals and resources to black trans people in crisis.
JOIN the Marsha P. Johnson Institute, which seeks to eradicate systemic, community, and physical violence that silences the black trans community from actualizing freedom, joy, and safety.
LEARN about Philly’s rich and vibrant LGBTQ history, whether it’s this article from Billy Penn, the William Way Archives, or the Philadelphia LGBT Mapping Project.
READ Civil Rights Law Protects Gay and Transgender Workers, Supreme Court Rules, New York Times article
CELEBRATE Global Pride on June 27 — this year as a virtual event!
SUPPORT Galaei, a queer Latin@ social justice organization that is currenlty providing free at home HIV testing kits.
DONATE to the Morris Home: Resources for Human Development – supports trans- and gender-nonconforming individuals by providing human development services.