June Celebrates Pride Month

You’ve likely heard about or come across the various celebrations of Pride Month. This special month, celebrated each June, is dedicated to honoring and uplifting the LGBTQ+ community while reflecting on the remarkable journey of their rights over the years. It all started with the Stonewall uprising in 1969 in New York City, an event that became a turning point for the LGBTQ+ community’s rights.

During Pride Month, cities and people across the world come together. They celebrate with lots of energy as people go to parades, festivals, and many events created to celebrate love, diversity, and acceptance. It’s a joyful event that showcases the strength of the LGBTQ+ community. 

Our very own OM community plans on celebrating by joining in on some of the numerous events in our local area. Junior Aniyah Guy said, “I am going to DC Pride and will spend most of my time with my friends. I celebrate Pride because I’m gay, and I think it’s a great month that allows people to show who they are and express their true colors without feeling judged. It’s about feeling comfortable in your skin and accepting others who are like you.”

Freshman Aliza Berman said, “It’s kind of a huge part of my life for me because I’m surrounded by a lot of people who are very active in the community. It’s really great to see any sort of event, not just Pride, but a group of people who are the same, they have a lot of the same experiences, they have a lot of things in common, and they just get to meet up together, and I think that’s awesome. I also went to Pride Prom, which was held at the Harriet Tubman Cultural Center. I will also be going back next year. I usually go to the one in October that they have at Merriweather. I love dressing up, and will also be giving out bracelets this upcoming year. It’s a good opportunity to meet a lot of colorful people, so I also try to be colorful. I like to do all sorts of crazy stuff. I wear ridiculous shoes, but it’s always a good time when you see a lot of people dressed very cool. “

Mrs. Granfield, an Earth and Space Science teacher, said, “I think it’s a great time to celebrate, express yourself, and make everyone comfortable in any setting, no matter where they are. The more love, the better!”

Mrs. Anderson Little, our OM Rainbow Representative, shared, “I have been the Rainbow Representative and the head of the GSA for the past year… Since I used to teach LGBTQ+ Studies, it felt like a natural transition for me to take on this role. I truly value this position and believe that every school should have a representative at all levels, as queer individuals exist at any age. It’s important for visibility and transparency. I love being an ally and an advocate for the queer community.”

The annual Pride events are important because they celebrate the LGBTQ+ community and show acceptance, diversity, and equality in all spaces. Happy Pride Month!