This year, Pride feels different. In a concerning trend, 45 states have introduced over 650 bills aimed at limiting the rights of the LGBTQIA+ youth and community at large — twice the number we saw last year. These bills deny them access to gender-affirming care and restrict their participation in school activities, jeopardizing their safety in public spaces. A staggering 84% of trans and non-binary youth feel unsafe at school, according to a recent Human Rights Campaign report, and unfortunately, this feeling often persists into adulthood.
While Pride has always been a powerful declaration of self-expression and resilience against adversity, that last part is resonating louder than ever this year. Pride now calls upon us to renew the fight for hard-fought LGBTQIA+ rights in the face of a power system and political landscape that seeks to erase the history and experience of the queer community. It is thanks to trailblazers like Sylvia Rivera and Marsha P. Johnson, transgender women and revolutionaries, that we have Pride. As allies, we must support our LGBTQIA+ peers in meaningful ways that go beyond sharing a "Happy Pride" message on social media.
Recognizing the urgency of protecting trans futures, the team at DoSomething.org, the digital hub for youth-centered activism, has launched Louder Than Ever. Our latest program supports young people in building on the legacy and ongoing struggle for equality this Pride month. To support your LGBTQIA+ peers and build a more inclusive future for all of, here are some powerful actions recommended by DoSomething members:
Expand your knowledge
“Figure out what you know and what you do not know so that you can further educate yourself on your path to support LGBTQIA+ youth.” - Ava G, Pennsylvania
Understanding the LGBTQIA+ experience is a crucial part of being an ally, and it all boils down to empathy. But here's the thing: the rise of book bans have made it tougher for people to get their hands on stories and information that shed light on diverse experiences and history in the U.S. It's pretty shocking to know that over 1,600 books were banned in more than 5,000 schools last year, and a majority of those bans specifically targeted books about race, racism, and the LGBTQIA+ community.
But here's why consuming stories and media about different communities is crucial: learning about the legacy, history, and realities of the LGBTQIA+ experience can truly help us challenge our own biases and become more open-minded. So follow Ava’s lead and take part in this small act of rebellion by picking up a banned book written by an LGBTQIA+ author (here’s a list to get started). By exploring these stories, you'll not only gain knowledge but also discover the shared history that connects us all. And that's the foundation for building stronger relationships built on mutual understanding and becoming an advocate for the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals.
Create safer spaces (and help others on their allyship journey)
“Communicate that you’re down. That could be shutting down an anti-lgbt joke, correcting someone's use of pronouns, engaging with their identity and showing you want to learn more, etc. Just talking about lgbt things more casually and without judgement.” - Delany, New York
Sometimes it can feel overwhelming to know how to be a supportive ally for LGBTQIA+ individuals, but you can be that reliable person who leads the way. At DoSomething, we've gathered insights from young people over the years and compiled their advice in our Celebrate Pride Guide. It's all about being a better ally and contributing to an inclusive community. Some key principles of allyship include challenging your own biases, prioritizing the safety of LGBTQIA+ people in both public and private spaces, and using inclusive language. You can contribute your own advice (and hear from others) to the latest edition of our crowdsourced Celebrate Pride guide. It will be shared with young people all across the country, providing them with valuable tools to support and uplift their LGBTQIA+ peers.
Amplify LGBTQIA+ voices and follow their lead
“We can start by giving the floor to lgbtqia advocates and listen! No one can speak for their experiences better than them. The first step to change is listening to those who we are trying to help.” - Blaine, California
In a moment when legislative attacks on queer youth feel overwhelming, it’s more important than ever to follow the lead of LGBTQIA+ youth carrying on the legacy of Pride. People like Jack Petocz who led the walkouts against Florida’s “Don’t Say Gay” bill. And Rebekah Bruesehoff, a transgender activist who launched a book drive to collect books that include LGBTQIA+ characters and stories and get them into schools, libraries, faith spaces, and community organizations all over the country. When they say that their lives are under attack, believe them. Support your queer community by petitioning and writing to your state legislators to tell them you won’t stand for attacks on trans and gender-expansive youth.
Marsha P. Johnson once declared that there is “no pride for some of us without liberation for all of us.” That’s a message that should lead all of us in the movement for full protections under the law. The futures of young LGBTQIA+ people are on the line, and luckily, we’ve got each other to count on.
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