Celebrate Pride

Get Inspired: The Saint of Dry Creek

Celebrate Pride.  On October 11, 1987, more than 200,000 lesbians, gay men, bisexuals, trans people, and allies descended upon Washington DC to demand legal protection from discrimination. This famous political rally known as “The Great March” ignited a national conversation around queer identities and led to the creation of “National Coming Out Day” the following year. Today we invite your family to explore how you can help build more welcoming communities for all.

Check out this video from StoryCorps about Patrick Haggerty, a gay man growing up in conservative Dry Creek, Washington during the 1950s. Although he didn’t realize it as a young teenager, Patrick was hiding an important piece of his identity - a piece his father helped him recognize and be proud of later in life.

Pride is reminder for all of us to live as our true selves. It’s an opportunity to show appreciation for the friends and family who give us the strength to step out of the closet, as well as a battle cry to continue the fight against bigotry and oppression worldwide. Together, we will help all queer people find the love and happiness they deserve.

Let’s Talk

After watching the video about Patrick’s conversation with his father, use the questions below to start a meaningful dialogue with your family:

• What stood out to you about Patrick's story? What could you relate to?

• Why is Patrick embarrassed when his father shows up at his school? What did he do as a result?

• Patrick’s father tells him, “Don’t sneak.” Why is it important that Patrick not hide the fact that he is gay?

• Bonus! Listen to more LGBTQ+ people share their stories about coming out and accepting who they are via the It Gets Better Project.

Do Something: Research the Movement

Learn more about the movement! What does Pride mean to you? Spend time researching the 1969 Stonewall Uprising or learning about LGBTQ+ activists like Marsha P Johnson and Sylvia Rivera. Dig deep into Pride history to honor its legacy and create a slideshow presentation celebrating the accomplishments of the queer community.

Remember, you can celebrate Pride all year round! Start by reviewing this list of 15 Inspiring Books on LGBTQ History for Kids of All Ages. From supporting queer-owned businesses, to having a LGBTQ+ film night as a family, to donating in support of Black Trans people in need… the options are endless! Let us know how you celebrate pride by tagging us on social media using #honeycombathome or @honeycombproject

Community Connection: Broadway Youth Center

Support LGBTQ+ Youth. For over two decades, Howard Brown Health has run the Broadway Youth Center to provide physical health services, housing assistance, resource advocacy, mental wellness support, and educational/vocational opportunities to LGBTQ+ youth ages 12 - 24.

There are several ways your family can make a difference for queer-identifying kids in your community:

• Donate to or purchase gently used clothes and household items from The Brown Elephant resale shop, whose proceeds directly support Howard Brown Health.

• Start a new chapter of the Gay-Straight Alliance at your school.

• Attend a teen-only support group chat hosted by Give Us the Floor or Trevor Space.