The celebration of Pride Month serves as a great opportunity to teach our children about equal rights.
The month-long celebration is honoured in different parts of the globe. Most people use this time to commemorate the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement. Additionally, people also celebrate this event intending to uplift the lives of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people.
Pride Month and the Pride Movement are essential matters that people must be aware of. It is also important to include children in the celebration of this particular event and educate them on LGBTQ+ inclusivity.
Any time is a good time to open a conversation with kids on what LGBTQ+ is all about. However, June is especially the best opportunity to start and open the discussion about this matter.
During this time, people from across the globe celebrate pride month. They also use this month to commemorate the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. With this, people increase awareness of LGBTQ+ history, identity, and community.
To make the conversation with kids engaging and smoother, here are a few things about LGBTQ+ that you should know about:
What Is Pride Month?
First of all, you must know the facts. Before talking to kids about Pride, it will be best for you to know and understand it yourself.
Pride Month is a joyful celebration and profound reminder that LGBTQ+ people exist with everyone. Just like anyone else, they deserve the same rights and privileges.
You can be proud to be part of the LGBTQ+ community and support them anytime. However, June is a special month to celebrate and show support to members of the LGBTQ+.
How the Celebration Got Its Name
There is a double meaning to why people call it "Pride."
It was originally an acronym that stands for Personal Rights in Defense and Education. Its organisation started in 1966 and aimed to fight for equal rights for the LGBTQ+ community in California.
Additionally, pride can also be defined as the consciousness of one's dignity. In conclusion, people use the word pride to honour the organisation and be proud of who we are.
The Meaning Behind LGBTQ+ Flag
As we all know, the LGBTQ+ community uses the rainbow flag to symbolise their pride and identity as members of the organisation. A man named Gilbert Baked designed the LGBTQ+ flag in 1998. He created the flag and participated in San Francisco's Gay Freedom Celebration.
What does each colour symbolise?
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Pink - sexuality
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Red - life
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Orange - healing
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Yellow - sun
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Green - nature
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Turquoise - art
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Indigo - harmony
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Violet - soul
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The most recent rainbow flag includes pink and blue, symbolising transgender people. Additionally, black and brown were added to represent black and Latinx people.
Pride Month Started on June 28, 1969
We commemorate Pride Month in June to also honour the anniversary of the Stonewall Riots. It marked the beginning of the gay rights movement, which started on the 28th of June 1969.
Back then, police raiding a gay bar commonly occurred. However, the riot gained popularity after the victims got fed up with the situation. The police's violence triggered the anger of the people involved. They protested their rights and fought back.
Although several people were arrested, the determination of the people involved sparked something bigger. Those who witnessed the Stonewall Riots consider the event as a turning point in the modern LGBTQ+ rights movement.
The Importance of Pride
Pride is essential as it creates a safe space for every individual. It promotes self-affirmation, dignity, equality, and increased visibility of lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender (LGBT) people as a social group.
Pride is also about human rights. They aim to empower members of the LGBTQ+ community to reclaim the rights and freedoms they are denied.
Teaching Your Kids about LGBTQ+ Rights Will Benefit Them in the Long Run
In today's diverse world, teaching your kids about LGBTQ+ rights is not just about tolerance, but about embracing differences, fostering empathy, and creating a more inclusive society. Here are five compelling reasons why educating your children about LGBTQ+ rights will benefit them in the long run.
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Promotes Empathy and Understanding: Teaching your kids about LGBTQ+ rights helps them develop empathy, compassion, and a deeper understanding of diverse perspectives, fostering a more accepting attitude towards all individuals, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity.
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Builds Inclusive Communities: Educating children about LGBTQ+ rights contributes to the creation of inclusive communities where everyone feels valued and respected, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity, leading to a more harmonious and supportive environment for all.
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Enhances Critical Thinking: Learning about LGBTQ+ rights encourages children to question societal norms, challenge stereotypes, and think critically about issues related to equality and social justice, empowering them to become advocates for positive change.
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Supports LGBTQ+ Peers: When children are aware of LGBTQ+ rights, they are better equipped to be allies to their LGBTQ+ peers, providing support, understanding, and standing up against discrimination, thereby fostering a safer and more inclusive school and social environment.
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Prepares for an Inclusive Future: By educating your children about LGBTQ+ rights, you are preparing them for a future where equality, diversity, and inclusion are valued, ensuring they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to navigate a rapidly changing world.
How to Initiate a Conversation About Pride and LGBTQ+ With Kids
Here are some tips from Care.com that will help you start a conversation about Pride and LGBTQ+ with children.
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State the Facts
Words from adults are what most likely strike in the mind of children forever. Because of this, you must educate yourself with facts about Pride Month. Do this before starting a conversation about it with your kids.
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Initiate the conversation
At first, your children may be hesitant in bringing up the topics of Pride Month. Because of this, you must prepare facts and start the talk yourself. According to Parker Morris, a therapist specialising in working with LGBTQ+ individuals and couples,
"Kids might not bring things up themselves, but they might notice and be curious about what they see out in the world."
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Keep the Talk Simple
You do not have to give your kids every detail about Pride Month. You only need to teach them about the celebration's importance. If they ask for more information, you can discuss the history of Pride Month with them.
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Maintain a Positive Stance
Some parts of LGBTQ+ history can be painful and difficult, which can be hard to explain to children. It will be better to educate kids from a place of positivity and acceptance at a young age.
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Prepare to Keep the Conversation Going
Keep in mind that talking about Pride and LGBTQ+ is not a one-time conversation. These kinds of discussions can happen anytime in the future.
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