June 2023
In This Issue...
Ways to Celebrate Pride Month
Actions and activities to do now

Juneteenth
Take a Mental Health Day

From Our Collection
Jonathan Lyndon Chase's "For You For Us Come Back Soon" (The Brodsky Center)
Advancing LGBTQIA+ Rights

June is a time of celebration, reflection, and activism as we honor the LGBTQIA+ community, its vibrant history, and the ongoing pursuit of equality and acceptance. Pride Month is a powerful reminder of the tireless efforts, resilience, and courage demonstrated by countless individuals who have fought for LGBTQIA+ rights throughout history. It is a time to recognize the milestones achieved, the progress made, and the work that still lies ahead. It serves as a beacon of hope and unity, reminding us that love knows no boundaries and that every person deserves to live their truth, authentically and proudly.

As we celebrate Pride Month and stand in solidarity with the LGBTQIA+ community, it is essential to acknowledge the ongoing challenges and issues that affect the lives of individuals within this diverse and vibrant community. While progress has been made in advancing LGBTQIA+ rights, we must continue to advocate, raise awareness, and work towards a more inclusive society.

Here are some key issues faced by the LGBTQIA+ community today:

  1. Discrimination and Prejudice: Despite significant strides towards equality, discrimination remains a harsh reality for many LGBTQIA+ individuals. From employment and housing to healthcare and education, members of the community face unequal treatment, harassment, and prejudice in various aspects of their lives.
  2. Legal Inequalities: While marriage equality has been achieved in many countries, there are still places where same-sex marriage is not recognized, and LGBTQIA+ individuals do not have equal legal protections. Advocacy efforts continue to fight for comprehensive anti-discrimination laws and the removal of barriers that hinder equal rights and opportunities.
  3. Violence and Hate Crimes: Tragically, violence against the LGBTQIA+ community persists worldwide. Hate crimes, including physical attacks, verbal abuse, and bullying, remain a significant concern. Transgender individuals, particularly transgender women of color, face disproportionate levels of violence and are tragically targeted at alarmingly high rates.
  4. Mental Health Disparities: LGBTQIA+ individuals often encounter higher rates of mental health issues such as depression, anxiety, and suicide due to societal stigma, rejection, and internalized homophobia or transphobia. Access to inclusive mental healthcare and support is vital in addressing these disparities.
  5. Health Disparities: Healthcare disparities also persist within the LGBTQIA+ community, including limited access to LGBTQIA+-affirming providers, inadequate healthcare coverage for gender-affirming treatments, and higher rates of HIV and other sexually transmitted infections.
  6. Intersectionality: It is crucial to recognize that LGBTQIA+ individuals may face overlapping forms of discrimination based on their race, ethnicity, religion, disability, or other identities. Intersectionality must be considered in our efforts to promote inclusivity and social justice.

By acknowledging and addressing these issues, we can work towards creating a more equitable and accepting society. Let us amplify the voices of marginalized communities, advocate for legal protections, promote mental and physical well-being, and stand up against discrimination and violence. Together, we can create lasting change and a world where every individual can live their truth authentically and with pride.

Here are 8 ways you can celebrate and participate in Pride Month:

  1. Review past newsletters: Our May 2021 and May 2022 Diversity Newsletters provided resources to understanding the history of anti-Asian hate in the US and also included local eateries and events, and amplified the experiences of communities marginalized within the AAPI moniker.
  2. Attend Pride Events: Participate in local Pride parades, festivals, and events in your community. These gatherings provide an opportunity to show support, connect with others, and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community.
  3. Educate Yourself: Take the time to educate yourself about LGBTQIA+ history, milestones, and the ongoing fight for equality. Read books, watch documentaries, or listen to podcasts that explore LGBTQIA+ experiences and issues.
  4. Advocate for LGBTQIA+ Rights: Use your voice to advocate for LGBTQIA+ rights and equality. Write to your elected representatives, sign petitions, and support organizations working towards legal protections and inclusive policies.
  5. Support LGBTQIA+-Owned Businesses: Show support for LGBTQIA+ entrepreneurs and businesses by shopping at LGBTQIA+-owned establishments. This helps promote economic empowerment within the community.
  6. Volunteer and Donate: Give back by volunteering or donating to LGBTQIA+ organizations and charities. Offer your time and skills to support their programs, events, or initiatives.
  7. Foster Inclusivity: Make a conscious effort to create an inclusive and welcoming environment for LGBTQIA+ individuals in your personal and professional life. Challenge stereotypes, listen with empathy, and be an ally.
  8. Amplify LGBTQIA+ Voices: Share and amplify the stories, art, and achievements of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Use your social media platforms or personal networks to uplift LGBTQIA+ voices and promote understanding.
  9. Support LGBTQIA+ Youth: Reach out to LGBTQIA+ youth organizations and offer mentorship, guidance, or resources. Show support to young individuals who may be navigating their identity and may benefit from positive role models.
BOOST DIVERSITY AWARENESS

Challenge yourself this month to boost your diversity awareness calendar usage.

  • Learn about June 2023 Events - including notable dates like Loving Day, Autism Pride Day, the Stonewall Rebellion, and other cultural observances, and more!
  • Schedule Respectfully - With our PAFA Diversity Awareness Calendar, never forget important dates or events. Respect religious observances, holidays, and events.
  • New Feature! Email signature images! Now you can build D&I with every email you send - find out how to add Diversity Calendar banners to your Outlook email signature.
Juneteenth - Freedom Day
Juneteenth is a momentous day in history that holds profound significance for African Americans and the ongoing pursuit of equality and justice for all. On June 19, 1865, Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas and delivered the news of freedom to enslaved African Americans, marking the official end of slavery in the United States. We celebrate the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States, marking a pivotal milestone towards a more inclusive and equitable nation.

Juneteenth, also known as Freedom Day or Emancipation Day, serves as a powerful reminder of the strength and spirit of those who endured the harrowing institution of slavery. It is a time to reflect upon the struggles faced by generations of African Americans and to honor the contributions they have made to the fabric of our society, even in the face of immense adversity.

We also recognize the continued work that lies ahead in the pursuit of racial justice, equality, and healing. Juneteenth is a call to action, urging us to challenge systemic racism, dismantle barriers, and advocate for policies that ensure equal opportunities for all. By amplifying the voices and stories of African Americans and engaging in meaningful dialogue, we can contribute to a more inclusive and equitable future.

Here are some facts about Juneteenth:

  1. Juneteenth's name and origin: Juneteenth is a portmanteau of "June" and "nineteenth." It derives its name from the date of June 19th, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, Texas, and announced the emancipation of enslaved African Americans, even though the Emancipation Proclamation had been issued two years earlier.
  2. Texas as the last state to receive the news: Due to the isolation of Texas and the resistance of slaveholders, it was one of the last states where the news of the Emancipation Proclamation reached and was enforced. This delay in information is why Juneteenth is particularly celebrated in Texas and holds significant importance in African American communities across the United States.
  3. The reactions to the news: When enslaved people in Texas learned of their freedom, the reactions were a mix of joy, disbelief, and uncertainty. Some left immediately, while others stayed with their former owners, negotiating wages for their labor or searching for their loved ones who had been sold away.
  4. The enduring struggle for freedom: Although Juneteenth marked the end of legal slavery in the United States, it did not instantly eradicate the systemic racism and discrimination that persisted in the following years. African Americans continued to face significant challenges, including oppressive Black Codes, segregation, and disenfranchisement, leading to the ongoing fight for civil rights.
  5. The growth of Juneteenth celebrations: Initially, Juneteenth celebrations were primarily held in Texas, but they gradually spread across the United States as African Americans migrated to different regions. Today, Juneteenth is recognized and celebrated in various ways in almost every state, encompassing parades, cookouts, cultural performances, educational events, and community gatherings.
  6. Juneteenth as a state and national holiday: As of 2021, Juneteenth is recognized as a state holiday or observance in nearly all U.S. states. Efforts have been made to make it a federal holiday as well, acknowledging its historical significance and promoting nationwide recognition and reflection.
  7. Artistic and cultural contributions: Juneteenth has inspired a rich array of artistic expressions, including music, literature, and visual arts. Artists have used their talents to reflect on the history, struggles, and achievements of African Americans, contributing to the preservation and celebration of Juneteenth.

Join the African American Museum of Philadelphia for their 47th Annual Juneteenth Block Party. This would also be a great opportunity to tour Rising Sun at AAMP!
You can add the PAFA diversity calendar and/or the banner to your signature block to stay informed of all cultural observances throughout the year. And don't forget to list your pronouns.
From Our Collection
For You For Us Come Back Soon

Jonathan Lyndon Chase

Seven-color plate lithograph on Somerset Satin White paper

38 x 30 3/8 inches

Edition of 10. Published by the Brodsky Center at PAFA, Philadelphia.

We challenge you to check PAFA’s Diversity Awareness Calendar monthly and attend monthly OISE sponsored events.

Being an ally for a S.A.F.E. Community at PAFA