Friday, June 11, 2021
Dear Colleagues,
June is designated as Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ) Pride Month to celebrate all the LGBTQ community has achieved over the years.
It is dedicated to the elevating of LGBTQ voices, a celebration of LGBTQ culture and the support of LGBTQ rights. Traditionally, there have been parades, demonstrations, performances, and memorials and celebrations for members of the community who lost their lives to anti-LGBTQ violence and to HIV/AIDS.
The month of June was chosen to coincide with the catalyst of the Gay Liberation Movement that was the Stonewall Uprising in 1969 in New York City, which helped start the modern gay rights movement. On June 28, 1969, police raided a popular gay bar in N.Y.C.'s West Village, The Stonewall Inn. This was a common occurrence at the time, but on this day, the patrons resisted, starting the Stonewall Riots.
The Coast Community College District will also be highlighting students, staff, faculty, and managers who identify as LGBTQ as well as allies of the LGBTQ community. The goal is to share LGBTQ+ stories with our community. If you wish to participate, you may access the questionnaire.
The contributions of our LGBTQ community are significant and bringing awareness to these contributions is as important today as ever. Instances of violence and harassment are still commonplace in our country and it is imperative that we stand united with the LGBTQ community.
At Orange Coast College, we are committed to foster an inclusive environment that welcomes and celebrates the unique journeys and experiences of our students and employees.
