In the more than 50 years since the 1969 Stonewall riots, the LGBTQ+ community has fought hard for the right to marry, to live free from discrimination, and continues today to fight for their full and equal place in society here and around the world. Pride Month offers a moment of celebrating and appreciation for the progress made, while examining the work that has yet to be done. According to the Human Rights Campaign, 2020 marked the most violent year on record against transgender and gender non-conforming people, particularly Black and Brown transgender women. LGBTQ+ Americans still lack basic legal protections across the country, while Congress is still struggling to pass the Equality Act, which would provide consistent and explicit non-discrimination protections for LGBTQ+ people across key areas of life. This month AIT encourages everyone to celebrate Pride by advocating for the LGBTQ+ community.
How Can I Help?
Education
1.) Education is the first step in being a good ally. To properly advocate, it’s essential to understand the experiences of LGBTQ+ people. Take some time to read, listen to podcasts, or watch documentaries that help deepen your understanding of the contributions and struggles of the LGBTQ+ community.
Advocacy
2.) Join the Human Rights Campaign in their Count Me In Campaign. The campaign asks allies to advocate for the rights and lives of the transgender and non-binary community. This year alone, 17 anti-transgender bills have been signed into law. You can use our website to contact your representatives about the Equality Act and other legislation. Another great way to advocate is by encouraging your workplace to join the HRC’s Business Coalition for the Equality Act.
Social Media
3.) According to a study from the University of Arizona, trans youth experience far higher suicide attempt rates, but an affirmation of their identity and pronouns by parents and the larger community can help reduce this number. Last month Instagram joined other social platforms and added a pronoun feature to user’s bios. Help normalize sharing one’s pronouns by updating your social media profiles and email signature to display your pronouns.
Support
4.) Support the transformative work of All In Together by making a donation in honor of Pride. Your contributions will help us continue our work training and mobilizing women and gender nonconforming people find and access their political power
