As you are aware, June is Gay Pride month. But did you know that June 28, 2019 marks the 50
th
Anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising which served as a catalyst for the public fight for Lesbian, Gay, Bi-sexual, Transgender, Queer (LGBTQ) rights in America? If you are not familiar with Stonewall, here’s a quick synopsis. In the early hours of June 28, 1969 in New York City, a violent confrontation broke out between police and gay rights activists when the Stonewall bar, a place of refuge where LGBTQ community members could socialize in relative safety, was raided by police. Stonewall became a symbol of resistance to social and political discrimination in the LGBTQ community. A movement was created and propelled significant political activism that set into motion a new, nondiscriminatory trend in government policies and helped educate the nation.
Since that time, the LGBTQ community has made great strides towards equal rights, particularly in recent years. Victories like the elimination of the ban on gay marriage, adoption rights afforded to LGBTQ families in many states, and the successful election of LGBTQ individuals to elected offices can be seen as progressive steps towards inclusion. But, as we all know, there are still many legal and societal barriers that exist, and these not only impact the LGBTQ community member, but their friends and family as well. Those barriers include stigma and fear of reaching out for help, particularly after a sexual assault or with feelings of suicide.
At the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, we are proud of the work we do to support everyone in Hillsborough County, and especially the LGBTQ community. Crisis can happen to anyone, and we are a safe place for the LGBTQ community to be heard and find the help, hope, and healing they need during their time of crisis.
Clara
