Written by: Angelica Cortez, Senior Vice President, Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion and Joanna Garcia, Senior Clinical Director, West Valley
Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) Pride Month is celebrated annually in June. Birthed in commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, “Gay Pride” began as a march to Central Park to build on the spirit of resistance that prevailed during those intense nights in Greenwich Village more than 50 years ago.
Today, Pride Month evokes images of positivity, acceptance and love. Marked by a variety of celebrations, parades, protests and marches, Pride events across the United States unite through an amplified spirit of collective voices that assert, “we are here,” but this is not enough.
A staggering 40% of transgender individuals have attempted suicide with 92% of those attempts occurring before the age of 25. In addition, LGBTQ+ youth are more than four times as likely to attempt suicide compared to their heterosexual peers.
The LGBTQ+ community’s growing legacy of resistance and resiliency will not be quelled. We are reminded that we need to be the courage and strength of this generation, as the historic Stonewall Riots have shown us what collective power can achieve. Now, more than ever, it is crucial that we raise our collective voices to fight against the erasure of LGBTQ+ stories, experiences and basic human rights.
We want to honor those who have fought for inclusivity and equality for the community, as well as celebrate resilience and hope for a better future. But, it requires everyone to take action to preserve and build on the progress we’ve made.
Ways to Get Involved
- Gently respond to instances of microaggressions against the LGBTQ+ community.
- Write letters to your local, state and nationwide representatives to speak out against anti-LGBTQ+ legislation.
- Attend your local Pride festival/march.
- Learn more about LGBTQ+ history.
Client Success Story
Watch our video featuring Senior Clinical Director Joana Garcia and Alana, a Pacific Clinics client, who bravely shares her journey.
Pacific Clinics’ Foster Care & Adoptions Team Supports Sacramento Pride
Even the soaring temperatures didn’t stop Pacific Clinics’ Foster Care & Adoptions team from participating in Sacramento Pride, a two-day festival and march that celebrates diversity, inclusion, LGBTQ+ culture and community pride.
After cancellations in 2020 and 2021 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, more than 20,000 event-goers excitedly descended upon the Capitol Mall on June 11 and 12, where the major street and landscaped parkway were transformed into an LGBTQ+ village with delicious food and drinks, as well as entertainment such as drag performers and other live, musical acts.
The Pacific Clinics booth was fully decorated with Pride colors and our Innovator Seal of Recognition from the HRC Foundation. People who stopped by could ask questions about becoming a resource parent, sign up for an informational orientation or grab a flyer. The team also gave out frisbees, fans and bags, and had a raffle throughout the weekend with fun prizes such as fire trucks and Tonka trucks.
Resource Family Recruiter Diane Partida and Clinical Associate Director Tommy Johnson man the Pacific Clinics booth during Sacramento Pride.
Capitol Mall was transformed into an LGBTQ+ village with delicious food, drinks and three stages featuring entertainment from the Sacramento region and the greater LGBTQ+ community.
The Sacramento Pride March was comprised of walking contingents, vehicle contingents and large floats.
