Celebrating Pride Month: June and the LGBTQ+ Community
By Rhenelle Mc Sween-Navarro, Health Program Specialist
June is a month of celebration, visibility, and advocacy for the LGBTQ+ community. It’s Pride Month, a time to honor the progress made toward equality, reflect on the struggles still faced, and show solidarity in the ongoing fight for human rights. Pride Month was first celebrated to mark the Stonewall Riots of June 1969 in New York City, an event that galvanized the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement. Since then, Pride events, parades, and activism have taken place across the world to raise awareness and celebrate queer identities.
Pride is not just about a parade, though—it’s about creating a safe space for everyone to express themselves, love freely, and live authentically. In communities large and small, Pride Month serves as a reminder of how far we’ve come and how much further we still need to go to achieve full equality for all LGBTQ+ individuals.
While Pride celebrations often take center stage in cities across the country, it’s important to remember that it’s also a time for learning, listening, and connecting with resources and organizations that provide support, education, and advocacy year-round.
LGBTQ+ Resource Guide for St. Petersburg, FL
St. Petersburg, FL, is home to a vibrant and welcoming LGBTQ+ community. Whether you’re looking for support, education, or just a place to celebrate, here are some key resources to explore:
Healthcare
CAN Community Health
Provides LGBTQ+ services and healthcare including medical, dental, counseling, case management, patient education, and pharmacy services. | cancommunityhealth.org
Metro Inclusive Health
LGBTQ+ healthcare organization | metrotampabay.org
Love the Golden Rule
Inclusive healthcare for low-income and LGBTQIA+ individuals | lovethegoldenrule.com
Mental Health
NAMI Pinellas County
LGBTQ+ Connection Recovery Support Group | nami-pinellas.org
Rainbow Family Wellness
LGBTQIA+ affirming therapy and support groups | rainbowfamilywellness.com
Share Therapy and Wellness
Offers comprehensive mental health services including LGBTQ+ and gender and sexuality affirming therapy | shareofflorida.com
Community and Advocacy
Come Out St. Pete
Website to stay informed about LGBTQ events, festivities, and resources for LGBTQ assistance| comeoutstpete.org
LGBTQ+ Elder Initiative
Committee dedicated to building inclusive services for the LGBTQ+ community over age 55 | blspinellas.org/LGBTQEI
Zero Suicide Partners of Pinellas
Community coalition dedicated to suicide prevent – LGBTQ+ Workgroup and Community GSA aim to improve LGBTQ+ well-being through social connection | zerosuicidepinellas.org
LGBTQ+ Ally Resources
Family Acceptance Project
Offers resources and connections to support LGBTQ+ lives and preserve families by supporting parents of children coming out | https://lgbtqfamilyacceptance.org
Parents Families and Friends of Lesbians and Gays (PFLAG)
Alliance of LGBTQ+ people and their loved ones dedicated to supporting, educating, and advocating for LGBTQ+ people | http://pflag.org
Straight for Equality
Provides information and resources to help allies understand their role in supporting and advocating for LGBTQ+ people | straightforequality.org
How You Can Get Involved
Attend local events: Celebrate and show support for the LGBTQ+ community by attending Pride Month parades, festivals, and social gatherings in St. Petersburg. Many events are family-friendly, and there’s something for everyone.
Support LGBTQ+ businesses: Spend your dollars at LGBTQ+ owned businesses or explore the local dining scene, which is home to numerous queer-friendly establishments.
Educate yourself and others: Pride Month is an excellent time to learn more about the history and ongoing struggles of the LGBTQ+ community. Consider attending a workshop or supporting local organizations that focus on education and advocacy.
Be an ally year-round: Pride is a month-long celebration, but being an ally is a year-round commitment. Support your friends, family, and community members by listening, speaking out, and standing in solidarity for equal rights.
As we celebrate Pride Month this June, let’s not only look at the parade floats and rainbow flags, but also recognize the importance of community, inclusivity, and the continuing journey toward full equality for all. Remember that Pride is not just about the festivities—it’s a reminder that love is love, and everyone deserves the right to live authentically.
