LGBTQ Rights Around the Globe 

According to recent reports, over the past few decades, the global divide on homosexuality persists, but increasing acceptance exists in many countries.  Wealthier countries tend to be more accepting; in many countries many younger generations are more accepting; and those with more education are more accepting.  See the full report here: https://www.pewresearch.org/global/2020/06/25/global-divide-on-homosexuality-persists/

(TONY KARUMBA/AFP VIA GETTY IMAGES) – above photo

A Brief History of US Pride Month 

June is LGBTQ+ Month, also known as Pride Month. The origins of Pride Month date back to 1970 to celebrate the 1969 Stonewall Riots/Uprising. The uprising occurred after police officers raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club in downtown Manhattan. The police aggressively removed employees and customers from the bar and “arrested 13 people, including employees and people violating the state’s gender-appropriate clothing statue.” The raid led to six days of protesting and turmoil around the Stonewall Inn. The protesters stood up for their rights to be who they were born to be and to love who they want to love.  The events that took place in June 1969 paved the way for individuals in the LGBTQ+ community. “On the one-year anniversary of the riots, June 28, 1970, thousands of people marched in the streets of Manhattan from the Stonewall Inn to Central Park in what was then called ‘Christopher Street Liberation Day,’ America’s first gay pride parade.”  The Stonewall Inn and surrounding streets are now a national monument in recognition of the area’s contribution to gay rights.

Understanding the Colors of the Rainbow 

In June you are bound to see a plethora of pride flags displayed throughout your community. The colorful flag dons the classic colors of the rainbow, but did you know that each color has a symbolic meaning? Over the years the classic Rainbow Pride Flag has had some additional colors added.

Red: Life

Orange: Healing

Yellow: Sunlight

Green: Nature

Blue: Harmony/Peace

Violet: Spirit

Black and Brown: Black and Lantinx Queer Communities

Transgender Flag: Transgender Communities

The University of Northern Colorado has a great resource that explains the various pride flags, their origins and meanings. Check out this link to learn more.

 

Watch and learn for au pairs:  

Paris is Burning – This documentary provides firsthand accounts of New York City’s African American and Latinx Harlem drag-ball scene in the 1980’s.  Check out the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9SqvD1-0odY

Disclosure – This Netflix documentary reflects on the deception of transgender individuals in the film and television industries. It “provokes a startling revolution in how we see and understand trans people.”  Check out the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4-sPqFMBK1o&t=163s

Getting Curious with Jonathan Van Ness S1 E3- Can We Say Bye-Bye to the Binary? – In this episode Jonathan examines why systems of power are threatened by gender nonconformity.  Check out the trailer:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rlbm7j56Wow

Learn the language:

https://www.pta.org/docs/default-source/files/runyourpta/2020/diversity/lgbtq-glossary.pdf

Read to host kids:

Talk with your host parents beforehand, but below are some books for kids on this topic:

Learn how to best support your LGBTQ host child:

If  you or your host parent/s think the conversations should evolve beyond that in your home with your host children, here is more:

The Mayo Clinic talks about gender identity:
PTA shares resources on how to help your LGBTQ host child thrive:
Author of “Born Ready- the true story of a boy named Penelope” Jody Patterson talks about how to help parent to support a trans child: