Thank you to our IDEA Committee for this wonderful roundup, in honor of Pride!
In June, we celebrate Pride Month, as we honor the history and contributions of LGBTQIA+ individuals. As ACPS Mental Health Specialist Ursula Rocha stated, “Pride Month affirms the rights of our LGBTQIA+ students...It is vital that ACPS celebrates Pride Month to ensure the recognition of each stakeholder's identity.”
Stonewall Riots
Since 1970, Pride month has been celebrated in June to commemorate the Stonewall Riots, which precipitated the first major demonstrations for LGBTQ+ rights in America. On June 28, 1969 police raided the Stonewall Inn in New York City’s Greenwich Village, but bar patrons fought back. This resistance is now viewed by many as the beginning of the LGBTQ+ rights movement in the United States.
SMYAL
SMYAL, celebrating its 40th anniversary, is headquartered in DC and runs a summer camp in Virginia. It hosts lots of different programming for youth of ALL ages. Most importantly, it offers Little SMYALs, the only organization offering activities for 6 - 12-year-olds in the DMV area.
Don't miss Pride Festival on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at City Hall - Market Square!
Learn more here: https://www.alexandriava.gov/LGBTQ!
