June is Pride Month, when LGBTQ people from all over the world commemorate the Stonewall Riots, where gay men, lesbians, bisexuals, and trans folk fought against state-sponsored violence and exploitation of people on the basis of their sexuality and gender identity. Although progress has been made, homosexuality is still illegal in over 70 countries, with 12 allowing for officials to legally murder LGBTQ folk. Even here in the US, persecution still continues, especially against youth, the elderly, trans people, immigrants, the disabled, and people of color.
You do not have to spend money to support pride; if you want to, we would recommend supporting organizations such as the Ali Forney Center, Gay Men’s Health Crisis, Trans Lifeline, and The Trevor Project.
However, if you want to celebrate pride, we would like you to consider some of our local manufacturers. Pride is a beautiful mixture of support for persecuted communities, as well as a celebration of these communities’ resilience.
