June is Pride Month, but it's more than just a parade. Take the time to read up on what we can learn from the history of LGBTQIA+ resistance and advocacy by reading a moving article on the origins of Pride by Off Beat History. It comes down to the refusal to be annihilated and demanding not just change and equality, but liberation for ourselves and our neighbors.
Politics is personal. There is a lot of legislative hate in Iowa, but especially towards transgender adults and youth. This has horrific consequences. The Trevor Project's mental health survey has found again and again that LGBTQIA+ young people are at "higher risk for suicide not because of who they are, but as a result of how they are mistreated and stigmatized.” But thankfully, community and care makes a huge difference. Just one accepting adult can reduce the risk of a suicide attempt by 40 percent.
All Woodbury County Democrats are invited to come walk in the Pride Parade and help table the Festival this week to show our neighbors that we care about them. We also need to continually show the community at large that we will not stand for the persecution of our loved ones and neighbors and we will hold accountable those leaders who sow hatred.
LGBTQIA+ identities deserve to be celebrated openly, with joy and resistance. Come celebrate with us!
We Need Volunteers! Can You Help?
For the Pride Parade on Thursday, June 4, we’ll meet on 3rd and Iowa Streets, (rain or shine!) for staging at 5:00. We need:
-
At least one person willing to staff a street barrier during the parade and tell cars to turn around.
- As many people as possible to walk in the parade!
Saturday, June 6th from 11:00-3:00 is the Pride Community Resource Fair at the Sioux City Convention Center We will have a voter registration/candidate info table and we need:
-
Two people at the table at all times. Can you take a shift? We have 2-hour shifts of 11-1 or 1-3.
-
As many people as possible to attend a youth protest rally at 3 p.m. to tell our leaders we support LGBTQIA+ rights and want particularly transgender rights restored. Bring a sign!
To volunteer, please send email to Abi Calvert.