Pride events start for summer
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News from SAFE Harbor
LAKE COUNTY — Promoting a safe, inclusive, and healthy community is core to the mission of SAFE Harbor. As part of that mission, annually, the agency supports efforts celebrating Pride. Pride celebrations stem from events that took place in New York City in 1969. On a June morning, police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gathering spot for the LGBTQ community. Patrons were roughed up and arrested for no apparent reason. People outside witnessed these events and became enraged. Previously, witnesses to police harassment of members of the LGBTQ community had stood by passively, but this time the crowd pushed back. Before long some 400 people were rioting. Although police reinforcements dispersed the crowd, riots continued at the bar for the next five days.
“Stonewall riots are considered the spark that ignited the LGBTQ rights movement in the United States,” explained SAFE Harbor Director of Development Dana Grant. “In 1999, June was officially declared Gay and Lesbian Month. The name has changed to include all in the LGBTQIA+ community and is focused on achieving equal justice and equal opportunity for all.” Today, celebrations include pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and memorials to members of the community who have been lost to hate crimes or HIV/AIDS.
“It is a chance for the entire community to join one another in a safe, fun, and affirming environment,” said SAFE Harbor Executive Director Brandi Clark. “This is my first year being part of the celebration and I can’t wait.”
The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize the impact that LGBTQ individuals have had on history locally, nationally, and internationally. For clarification, LGBTQIA2+ means Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer and/or Questioning, Intersex, Asexual, Two-Spirit, and any other affirmative ways in which people choose to self-identify.
“Data indicates the extra hurdles this population faces, from housing to violence to alienation. Over time, these acts of hate and bigotry have contributed to increased levels of suicide, drug addiction, and homelessness within the LGBTQIA2+ community,” Grant said. “Youth suicidology for this group is at an alarming rate in the U.S. and Montana.”
This year, SAFE Harbor, working with the Journey to Wellness, the Salish Kootenai College- Spirit of Many Colors, Reason to Live Native, Mission Mountain Empowerment, and Providence St. Joseph Medical Center will be hosting several Pride activities. On June 16, a fun evening will take place starting at 7 p.m. at the Bickford Building in Polson. The theme is “what belongs together” and attendees are encouraged to get creative with costumes. It is an 18 and older time with karaoke, appetizers, games, and more. Tickets are $5. The next day, June 17, a Pride Picnic will take place at Bockman Park in Ronan. During the picnic there will be food, fun, games, crafts, a fashion show, and a chance to build community. This is a family time
for all. Festivities go from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m.
“We appreciate all these great partners and look forward to sharing time together,” Clark
added. “This is a chance to build a supportive community, while enjoying a beautiful Montana day.” For information or to get tickets, call 406-240-0640 or email dana@safeharbormt.org.
