Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer Pride Month (LGBTQ) is celebrated in June to commemorate the anniversary of the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan, New York City. This event marks the beginning of the movement to outlaw discriminatory laws and practices against LGBTQ+ Americans. Pride Month is also a way to acknowledge the influence and importance of LGBTQ+ individuals, foster a spirit of community among members and allies, and call attention to the continued need for equal rights and visibility. Learn more about LGBTQ+ Pride Month from the Library of Congress.
To help celebrate, we’ll give you a little history, some resources,
some books to read and movies to watch.
History:
Remembering Stonewall (StoryCorps)
LGTB Rights Milestones Fast Facts
Celebrate:
35 Ways to Celebrate Pride and LGBTQ Rights
LOCAL
CT Pride Celebrations 2021 – Here are some of the events planned for towns all over the state, both in-person and virtual.
Fairfield County Pride 2021 – Join Triangle Community Center this June for a month-long celebration of the LGBTQ community.
Let’s Go Birding Together! A Pride Month Birding Celebration
INTERNATIONAL
Gay Pride Calendar – From IGLTA, the International Gay & Lesbian Travel Association
Online Resources:
Guide to Being an Ally to Transgender and Nonbinary Youth (The Trevor Project)
It Gets Better Project – A nonprofit organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer youth around the globe.
Gay, Lesbian, Straight Education Network (GLSEN) – Works to ensure that LGBTQ students are able to learn and grow in a school environment free from bullying and harassment.
LGBTQ+ Comprehensive Health & Well-being Guide (Drugwatch)
Trans Student Equality Resource (TSER) – A youth-led organization dedicated to transforming the educational environment for trans and gender nonconforming students through advocacy and empowerment.
National Women’s History Museum LGBTQIA+ Pride Month Resource Toolkit – Learn more about Pride month and LGBTQIA+ issues each day with this interactive toolkit
Local Resources:
The Safe Harbor Project – Guarantees fair and equal treatment, services and resources for LGBT youth and families in Connecticut and is a collaboration between the Department of Children and Families (DCF) and True Colors, Inc.
PFLAQ Norwalk – Triangle Community Center – PFLAG is the nation’s largest family and ally organization, uniting people who are lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer (LGBTQ) with families, friends and allies. PFLAG is committed to advancing equality and full societal affirmation of LGBTQ people through its threefold mission of support, education, and advocacy.
Book & Media Lists:
Here at the Stratford Library we celebrate and support the diversity of our community. Explore the culture, heritage, contributions and achievements of folks in the LGBTQ+ community with our reading and watching recommendations:
 LGBTQ Pride Books Fiction |
||
Lambda Literary YA Book Reviews – For over 30 years, Lambda Literary has dedicated itself to championing LGBTQ literature and supporting LGBTQ writers at all stages of life.
Rainbow Library – LGBTQ+ Affirming K-12 E-Books for Your Computer, Phone, Tablet, or
E-Reader.
Stonewall Wall Book Awards – The first and most enduring award for LGBTQIA+ books, sponsored by the American Library Association’s Rainbow Round Table.