Pride Month: History and Resources for LGBTQ+ Students
June is national LGBTQ+ Pride Month. In the Worcester Public Schools, the district supports, celebrates, and affirms the diverse identities of all students and staff.
What Is Pride Month?
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month is celebrated nationally during the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in New York City. Celebrations include parades, picnics, parties, educational workshops, concerts, and more. Visit the Library of Congress’ website to learn more about the history of Pride Month.
When is Worcester’s Pride Celebration?
Worcester’s Pride Celebration is held annually in September, when the city’s many college students return to the area. View details on Worcester Pride 2023.
Resources
Safe Homes of Worcester and Fitchburg is a program supporting lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning, intersex and asexual (LGBTQIA+) young people, and their straight allies, between the ages of 14 and 23. The group is led by youth peer leaders, professional staff, and volunteers who offer support, resources, and opportunities for socialization in a safe and nurturing environment.
SWAGLY: Supporters of Worcester Area GLBTQ+ Youth is a social club for LGBTQIA+ youth and allies who are 18 years old and under. Since 1984, SWAGLY programs have helped countless youth in the Greater Worcester area.
is a national organization with a mission to uplift, empower, and connect lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer youth around the globe. The organization’s website includes many affirming stories about the coming out journeys of LGBTQ+ people – teens and adults – and the impacts it had on their lives.
offers crisis support for LGBTQ+ and questioning youth. Counselors are available 24/7 by online chat, phone, or texting. The organization also offers an
for LGBTQ people between 13 and 24 years old.
is a longstanding group that supports parents and family members of LGBTQ+ youth through
, parent-to-parent conversations,
, scholarship programs, the safe schools program, and more.
New England Transgender Healthcare Consortium
consists of providers from more than a dozen healthcare facilities in New England who are dedicated to improving access to gender-affirming care.
Pride Month Poems
The Poetry Foundation website has a page for Pride Month Poems – a collection of poems and essays by LGBTQ+ poets on topics and themes of identity, gender, and sexuality.
Books About LGBTQ+ Teen Experiences
PFLAG offers a number of educational booklets in English and Spanish for LGBTQ+ teens, allies, educators and families.
The Worcester Public Library carries many books about sexual orientation and gender identity that may help those who are questioning and educate all – even those who are not questioning. You can view a complete list of titles by searching the Worcester Public Library website.
Here is a sample of titles:
“
LGBTQ: The Survival Guide for Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Questioning Teens
” by Kelley Huegel (2018).
Realistic advice for teens who are
LGBTQ
, questioning whether they might be, or are just interested in knowing more about
LGBTQ
history and rights. Also included are practical suggestions on dealing with homophobia; dating; creating a more accepting school environment; and reconciling your sexual/gender identity with cultural and religious beliefs.
“
This Book is Gay
” by Juno Dawson (2021).
This book is for everyone, regardless of gender or sexual preference. This book is for anyone who’s ever dared to wonder. This candid, funny, and uncensored exploration of sexuality and what it’s like to grow up LGBTQ also includes real stories from people across the gender and sexual spectrums. This book is for: LGBTQIA+ teens, tweens, and adults; readers looking to learn more about the LGBTQIA+ community; parents of gay kids and other LGBT youth; educators looking for advice about the LGBTQIA+ community.
“
The ABC’s of LGBTQ
” by Ashley Mardell (2021). The YouTube star presents a personal, approachable, and informative guide for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of gender and sexual identity. With in-depth definitions, personal anecdotes, helpful infographics, resources, and more, Mardell lets readers know that it really does get better when we are empowered by information and understanding.