Special thanks to Brandon Sollars and Joanna Hall and all those who assisted with the process of making the video.
June is Pride Month! This time of year provides us the opportunity to celebrate the Lesbian, Gay, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, and other (LGBTQIA+) members of our community. At its inception, this month was designated as a time of activism, where we paid homage to our LGBTQIA+ forebears at Stonewall. During this month we take time to recognize the impact LGBTQIA+ individuals have had on history, highlight their stories, uplift their voices, and continue to advocate for equal rights and protections of the LGBTQIA+ community.
In honor of the activism of those that came before us, may we all continue to advocate for equality, for tolerance, and for the safety of the LGBTQIA+ community. We have seen good progress in the advancement of equal rights for the members of the LGBTQIA+ community. Just two days shy of the 46th anniversary of Stonewall, on June 26, 2015, a landmark Supreme Court decision became law, granting same-sex couples in all 50 states the right to marry. More recently, the Respect for Marriage Act was signed into law by President Biden on December 13, 2022. With its passage, same-sex couples can now enjoy the same federal benefits and protections as opposite-sex couples. The signing of the Respect for Marriage Act marks a significant victory for the LGBTQIA+ community and a step towards greater legal equality for all people, regardless of sexual orientation or gender identity.
The current state of LGBTQIA+ legislation varies widely around the world. In the United States, the LGBTQIA+ community has made significant gains in recent years. Many states have passed laws prohibiting discrimination based on sexual orientation and gender identity. However, there are still no federal laws protecting LGBTQIA+ people from discrimination in employment, housing, or public accommodations. There are also ongoing legal and political battles over the rights of transgender individuals, particularly around access to healthcare and public spaces.
To learn more about LGBTQIA+ individuals check out our Safe Zone training opportunities. Every semester the Safe Zone committee facilitates training sessions for members of the UA Little Rock community to learn more about how to be an ally and how to create safe spaces in your areas. Check out other campus, community, and national resources on the linked LGBTQIA+ resource list.
As we kick off Pride Month, remember the value of our communities with this quote from American activist Barbara Gittings, “Equality means more than passing laws. The struggle is really won in the hearts and minds of our community, where it really counts.” Use this month to reflect on the many things we all have in common – we are all human, we are all vastly different, and we are all simply doing our best to navigate shared spaces together. Beyond our differences, we are all a part of the incredibly unique and diverse UA Little Rock community. Together we can stand against discrimination, foster inclusivity, treat others with respect, and help create a world where everyone can live authentically. We are stronger together because we are UA Little Rock.
VIDEO: Learn more about Pride Month and hear others share how we are stronger together.