June is LGBTQIA+ Pride Month in honor of the Stonewall Riots against police brutality of LGBTQIA+ folks in Manhattan in 1969, considered to be the tipping point of the LGBTQIA+ Civil Rights Movement. What began as a single day to commemorate that historic event is now a month-long celebration of the LGBTQIA+ community's successes and struggles, culminating in gorgeous displays of Pride with parades, parties, and unbridled joy.
It would be disrespectful not to acknowledge the rise of anti-trans and anti-gay laws being debated across our country this year. Halfway through 2023 and there are already 168 anti-trans bills affecting affirming healthcare rights alone. This number doesn't include the numerous other bills being written and voted on that affect LGBTQIA+ families, educators, and individuals across the country. As a comparison, 2022 saw a total of 174 bills affecting the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community in various ways.
Yes, Pride is a celebration of who we are, how resilient we can be as a community, and how far we've come. More than that, this one day in June allows folks to simply exist without fear.
Upcoming Pride Events
Rainbow Festival
Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch
Saturday, June 3, 2023, 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Please join us at Dr. Roberto Cruz Alum Rock Branch as we kickoff our Summer Learning Program with Rainbow Festival, a celebration of diverse voices and our diverse community in honor of National Pride Month! There will be a Friends Book Sale, tabling from a number of LGBTQIA+ resource organizations, arts and crafts activities for the whole family, and stories, music, and movement from Micaela Mack's Color of Us.
An Afternoon with Comic Creator, Laura Gao
West Valley Branch
Saturday, June 17, 2023, 2:00 PM - 3:30 PM
Join us as we celebrate Pride month with Bay Area comic creator Laura Gao, author and illustrator of the graphic memoir Messy Roots! Among other things, Laura will be touching on what it has been like to bridge two different cultures and queerness as a young adult in today's climate. There will be a book signing and copies of her graphic memoir will be available to purchase.
LGBTQ Resource Page
Launched in 2022, SJPL is proud to have a website dedicated to supporting our LGBTQIA+ patrons, and staff, with links to a variety of local and online resources, book lists for all ages curated by SJPL librarians, and a quick link to browse upcoming LGBTQIA+ centered programs. Check it out!
From all of us at San Jose Public Library - Happy Pride!
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