By Beth Ann Kimura

Pride month is bittersweet for LGBTQIA+ community. It is a time of rememberance for what occurred during the Stonewall riots and discrimation that our community has faced. It is a time to recognize the pain and limitations our community continues to face. It is also a time of celebration on how far we have come to acceptance and the rights we finally have access to, allowing our community to come together and shine our true colors.

So, what does LGBTQIA+ stand for?

L: Lesbian

G: Gay

B: Bisexual

T: transgender

Q: Queer/Questioning

I: Intersex

A: Asexual

+: Many other identities, including but not limited to pansexual, agender, demisexual, etc.

The LGBTQIA+ community is a complex and beautifully diverse group of people who continue to fight for acceptance and equality. Just like a rainbow has more colors than the seven we think of, there are a lot more identities than just the ones we think of when we see the LGBTQIA+ acronym. Gender and sexuality identities continue to grow and change throughout our lifetimes. Pride is about celebrating our true selves.

The LGBTQIA+ community continues to fight for acceptance, equality, and rights. More than 75 anti-LGBTQIA+ laws have been signed into effect this year in our country. Identifying as LGBTQIA+ often comes with challenges, but it can also bring us together.

Search has an exciting opportunity to collaborate with Northwestern University’s theater program as they put on The Prom, a musical about a LGBTQIA+ teenager who was not welcome at her high school’s prom due to her identity. Together we will explore, as well as educate about, the intersectionality between the LBGTQIA+ community and the disability community. Be sure to keep an eye out as we start this collaboration!

Remember: Pride month is about being proud of who you are and continuing to fight for acceptance and being able to live our true lives. Celebrate diversity. Accept those that are different than you. Support the whole LGBTQIA+ community.