June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month: Creating Safe, Inclusive Environments

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The district recognizes the month of June 2022 as LGBTQ+ Pride Month. The purpose of the commemorative month is to recognize LGBTQ+ individuals’ impact on history locally, nationally, and internationally.

“This month and every day, we celebrate our LGBTQ+ staff, students, and families that comprise and contribute to the Aldine ISD family,” said Superintendent Dr. LaTonya M. Goffney. “In Aldine, we are committed to creating affirming, safe learning and work environments. We want spaces where everyone knows they are valued and supported. We are committed to ensuring our LGBTQ+ students, staff, and families can show up every day as their authentic selves. All means all in Aldine. We want every student to thrive in our schools. Together, let’s help create safe, inclusive, and welcoming spaces for all. I encourage you to take time this month to recognize the past and present struggles, the victories, and the work that is yet to be done — the work we are committed to doing. I firmly believe that we are stronger and #BetterTogether. Happy Pride Month!”

Pride Month works to achieve equal justice and opportunity for LGBTQ+ Americans and recognize their impact on society. Although Pride Month has been celebrated for more than 50 years, President Bill Clinton officially declared June as Gay and Lesbian Pride Month in 2000. President Barack Obama expanded the observance in 2011 to Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, and Transgender Pride Month.

Interesting Facts

• Approximately 5-10% of the general population is LGBTQ+.
• In June 2011, California became the first state to pass a bill requiring public schools to teach the historical accomplishments of LGBTQ+ individuals.
• Every color in the LGBTQ+ flag has a meaning: Red — Life, Orange — Healing, Yellow — Sunlight, Green — Nature, Blue — Harmony, and Violet — Spirit.

Tough Truths

(Results of the Trevor Project National Survey on LGBTQ Youth Mental Health 2019 Report)

• 71% of LGBTQ youth in the study reported discrimination due to either their sexual orientation or gender identity.
• 76% of LGBTQ youth felt that the recent political climate impacted their mental health or sense of self.
• 87% of LGBTQ youth said that it was important to them to reach out to a crisis intervention organization that focuses on LGBTQ youth; 98% said a safe space social networking site for LGBTQ youth would be valuable to them.

Resources for Families of LGBTQ Youth
Resources for Families of LGBTQ Youth
PFLAG
John Hopkins Medicine
HealthyChildren.org
GLAAD.org
Shedding Light on the Experiences of LGBTQ Students: Sobering Data and Reasons for Hope
Houston LGBTQ Community
Career, Housing & Wealth — Where to Get Help in Houston
Hatch Youth