Celebrating LGBTQ+ Pride Month and the Fight for Equality
At SEIU Local 1000, we celebrate Pride Month as a time to recall the trials the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, and Queer (LGBTQ+) community has endured and to rejoice in the triumphs of trailblazing individuals who have bravely fought — and continue to fight — for full equality.
Pride is at the core of the LGBTQ+ movement — an affirmation of the dignity, equality, and increased acceptance of LGBTQ+ persons as a social group.
Pride Month is currently celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall Uprising in Manhattan, which was a tipping point for the Gay Liberation Movement in the United States.
Harvey Milk, the first openly gay politician elected in California’s history once said, “It takes no compromise to give people their rights. It takes no money to respect the individual. It takes no political deal to give people freedom. It takes no survey to remove repression.”
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally.
Our world is changing. Regressive laws have been struck down by the Supreme Court, who has also affirmed the right to marriage equality and workplace rights in every state. The Hate Crimes Prevention Act expanded protections to include crimes motivated by sexual orientation and gender identity.
There is still more progress to be made — more acceptances that exemplify our nation’s value of inclusivity and freedom for all.
As President Obama said, “When all Americans are treated as equal, no matter who they are or whom they love, we are all more free.”
Local 1000 stands in solidarity with LGBTQ+ Americans in their ongoing struggle against discrimination and injustice, and we join them in their fight for equality.
Our Lavender Committee is responsible for reviewing policies and programs established by the State directly impacting LGBTQ+ members of Local 1000.