- June 1, 2026 Social Justice
June marks Pride Month and the reintroduction of our Pride & Presence series. This month, we will explore how being truly present—through listening, learning and loving—helps create space where everyone can experience the dignity and belonging each person deserves. Each week, we’ll highlight a new topic to encourage understanding, reflection and meaningful action as we celebrate Pride together.
Remembering History, Honoring Courage
Pride Month is more than a celebration, it’s a movement rooted in a history of courage, resilience and the ongoing pursuit of dignity.
In June 1969, a series of events now known as the Stonewall Uprising took place in New York City. Members of the LGBTQIA+ community, many of whom had long faced discrimination and unjust treatment, resisted a police raid at the Stonewall Inn. This moment became a catalyst for change, inspiring a growing movement for rights, visibility and inclusion.
One year later, in June 1970, communities marked the anniversary with the first Pride marches. Over time, these gatherings evolved into what we now recognize as Pride Month: a time set aside each June to remember this history, celebrate the lives and contributions of LGBTQIA+ people and continue working toward a more just and welcoming society.
Pronouns in Practice
Pronouns are a small part of language but carry deep meaning. Using someone’s correct pronouns (such as she/her, he/him, they/them, etc.) is a simple and powerful way to acknowledge who they are.
For many people, pronouns are something they’ve never had to think about. For others, being addressed correctly can be the difference between feeling seen or unseen, welcomed or excluded. Because of this, using the right pronouns is more than a grammatical choice, it’s an everyday act of respect and care. It signals that we value people’s identities and are committed to creating spaces where everyone belongs.
Sharing and using pronouns also helps build a culture of inclusion. When we normalize practices like introducing ourselves with pronouns or including them in email signatures, we remove the pressure from any one individual and make it easier for everyone to participate. It becomes part of how we show respect for one another. It’s also important to remember that mistakes happen. Learning something new takes time, and it’s okay to get it wrong occasionally. What matters most is how we respond: briefly correct yourself, keep going and do better next time. Over-apologizing or drawing attention to the mistake can make things more uncomfortable; a simple correction shows respect and a willingness to grow.
At its heart, using correct pronouns is about kindness, respect and recognizing each person’s dignity. When we make the effort, even in small ways, we help build communities where everyone feels acknowledged, valued and included.
Chosen Family
For many LGBTQIA+ individuals, the idea of “family” has taken on a meaning both deeper and broader than traditional definitions. While many are supported and embraced by their families of origin, others have faced misunderstanding, distance or exclusion. In response, LGBTQIA+ communities have long cultivated what is known as chosen family, relationships formed through trust, care and mutual commitment.
Chosen family is built on the simple but profound belief that we all deserve to be known, loved and supported just as we are. These relationships, among friends, mentors, neighbors and companions, often become lifelines, offering affirmation, safety and belonging. They reflect the human capacity to create community even in the face of hardship, and to accompany one another with compassion and resilience.
In many cases, chosen family does not replace family of origin, but rather expands the definition of kinship. It allows for a more inclusive understanding of connection, one rooted not only in shared history, but in shared values, mutual respect and genuine care. Within these networks, people celebrate milestones together, provide support during times of need, and create traditions that reflect their unique experiences and identities.
Chosen family also reminds us that belonging is something we can actively work towards. It invites all of us, regardless of identity, to consider how we show up for one another, how we create spaces of welcome and how we honor the dignity of each person. Whether through small gestures of kindness or steadfast presence over time, these relationships demonstrate that love and community are not limited by biology, but are strengthened through intention and commitment.
Embracing Intersectionality: Honoring the Whole Person
For many people, gender is understood in binary terms: male or female, man or woman. Yet human experience is more expansive. Nonbinary is an umbrella term used by individuals whose gender identity does not fit exclusively within these traditional categories. Some may feel they are a blend of genders, neither or something else entirely.
Nonbinary identities invite us to recognize that gender is not always confined to clear-cut definitions. They reflect the diversity and complexity of human identity, reminding us that each person’s experience of self is unique. Nonbinary individuals may use a variety of pronouns, such as they/them, or others that best reflect who they are.
For those unfamiliar with these concepts, it can feel new or even challenging at first. But at its heart, this understanding calls us toward something deeply familiar: respect for each person’s dignity. It asks us to listen more closely, to avoid assumptions and to honor people as they name themselves. When we create space for identities beyond “either/or,” we take a step toward a more inclusive and compassionate community, one that makes room for the fullness of each person’s humanity.
Many people want to be supportive of the LGBTQIA+ community, but allyship is more than a feeling. It is an ongoing commitment to listen, learn and act.
Allyship doesn’t require having all the answers. Instead, it begins with humility and a willingness to grow. It asks us to stand with others not only in moments of celebration, but also in times when voices need amplification and dignity must be defended. In this way, allyship becomes something we practice, not something we simply claim.
Being an active ally often starts with small, intentional choices. It can look like using inclusive language, respecting pronouns and avoiding assumptions about people’s identities or relationships. It also means listening with openness, seeking to understand rather than respond, and making space for others to share their experiences without interruption or judgment.
Another important part of allyship is the willingness to speak up. This might mean gently correcting a misused pronoun, challenging a stereotype or addressing language that could be hurtful or exclusionary. These moments do not need to be confrontational to be meaningful; they are opportunities to model respect and help create a more welcoming environment for everyone.
At the same time, allyship includes knowing when to step back. Not every space or conversation needs our voice, and part of being supportive is allowing those with lived experience to lead and be heard. Allyship is a balance of speaking up when needed and listening deeply when it matters most.
Like any form of growth, allyship involves learning from mistakes. When we get something wrong, we can acknowledge it, make a correction and keep moving forward with a commitment to do better. This process of learning, reflecting and trying again is what strengthens our ability to show up well for others.
True allyship is not about being perfect; it is about being present, intentional and committed to building a more welcoming and just community for all. When we carry forward what we’ve learned, through our words, our actions and our daily interactions, we help create spaces where everyone feels respected, valued and included.