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This month is globally recognized as Pride Month, and while we at Thrive Central Oregon honor the contributions of the LGBTQ2A+ in our area and throughout our nation and world, we also recognize that this honor should not be reserved for a single month! Honor, respect, and justice for the LGBTQ2A+ community should not be something we shed light on but once a year.
Pride Month itself is the commemoration of the Stonewall Uprising, which happened at the end of June 1969 in Greenwich Village, Manhattan. In response to an anti-gay legal system and violent police interactions at several Greenwich Village bars and clubs during the 1950s and 1960s, the LGBT community started organizing for equal rights and treatment. However, after a police raid of the Stonewall Inn on the night of June 28, 1969, a series of spontaneous demonstrations fought back against the violent mistreatment - an event that has become known as one of the most important events leading to the gay liberation movement.
By no means is the liberation movement "over" however- the LGBTQ2A+ community and allies continue to fight for equity across the country and the world. This community continues to face violence and inequality—and sometimes torture or execution—because of who they love, how they look, or who they are. We believe that sexual orientation and gender identity are integral aspects of our selves and should never lead to discrimination or abuse. We at Thrive Central Oregon strive to create a safe space that is anti-discriminatory and honors differences and intersectionalities.
Out Central Oregon has some fantastic activities throughout the month to celebrate, teach, and create community! Check out their list of events on their website- there are movies, talks, happy hours, climbing days, you name it!
The City of Bend kicked off Pride Month with a City of Bend Pride Proclamation 2021 - Supporting the LGBTQ+ Community in Central Oregon. Watch and listen to "You Are Welcome Here". We are proud of the city for calling out injustices and taking initiative to combat hate and honor those doing the work to dismantle oppression.