Pride Month!

June is Pride Month!  

"Openness may not completely disarm prejudice, but it's a good place to start." 

— Jason Collins, first openly gay NBA player  

 

Pride Month celebrates the history and diversity of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) community; how far we have come and how far we still need to go. It is a time to reflect on just how far civil rights and societal attitudes have progressed in Australia and around the world, as well as to continue standing up against discrimination, homophobia and violence.  

 

Why is pride important?   All students should be safe from bullying and feel included at school. Students who don't feel safe or included at school cannot learn effectively and reach their full potential. Everyone deserves to feel like they are safe to be themselves without fear of judgement from others. Pride month is proof for LGBTQIA+ people that people like them areloved exactly as they are by others, and that they should not have to tolerate hate speech or discrimination anywhere.  

 

Pride Month might not be for everyone; some people might not like it, some people get tired of seeing rainbows popping up everywhere, and some people feel like it is not necessary for them. But as long as there are people who need Pride, communities across the world will continue to organise, march, and show up for the Rainbow community.  

Why do we celebrate in June?   DID YOU KNOW that Pride Month is held in June to commemorate the 1969 Stonewall Riots in Manhattan, New York? These protests were a pivotal moment and movement for LGBTQIA+ rights across the world – led largely by trans women of colour, Marsha P Johnson.  

 

Groups and Events    To check out what Pride events are happening around Melbourne, check out these links here:  

MY Pride and Sage are fortnightly groups for young people aged 10-13 or 14-18 who identify as LGBTIQA+ or who are exploring their identity. These groups provide a safe space for young people who live, work, study or play in Maroondah to connect with peers, discuss different topics, eat snacks and have fun!   

 

What about us allies?  

 

Pride Month is the perfect time to learn more about LGBTQIA+ identities, challenges and achievements; to celebrate and champion inclusion; as well as to show your allyship by standing with our rainbow friends, family, students and community members. To learn more about how to be an better LGBTQIA+ ally, visit: 

 

For more information, or if you have any questions about LGBTQIA+ issues or supports, please feel free to email Amelia Vance at amelia.vance@education.vic.gov.au or come and visit the team in Wellbeing!  

 

Amelia Vance

Social Worker, Diversity & Inclusion Leader