Pride Month Resources
June 2021 Pride Month
As we come to the end of the month of June, let’s take pause to learn or re-learn about the many contributions that LGBTQIA+ communities have currently and historically made to our country and world. The strength, courage, wisdom and resilience of the diversity of LGBTQIA+ folx continues to shape, inform and transform all aspects of our lives.
This email series was made in collaboration with the following members of CYI LGBTQIA+ Committee: Anna EldenBrady, Melissa Elischer, and Tonya Pell.
The CYI LGBTQIA+ Committee invites our Extension Colleagues to reflect and connect on the various resources and media shared during the month of June on Wed. July 14th at 2 PM. To attend this dialogue, register here: https://forms.gle/y2NSN69xkhoUDKAv8
Why We Need Pride Month:
https://www.scarymommy.com/why-we-need-pride-month/
Our individual and organizational journeys of growth and transformation in building inclusive and equitable systems and relationships with LGBTQIA+ people must center the lives, voices and experiences of individuals from those communities. In this blog post, we hear from a queer person describing the importance of pride and the celebration of Pride Month. The post does include some adult language and shares some important realities that can assist us on our journeys.
Why Do We Celebrate Gay Pride Month and Why Does it Still Matter?
Another perspective, from a world view, of the importance of recognizing and celebrating Pride Month.
Glossary, LBGT Resource Center, MSU
https://lbgtrc.msu.edu/education/glossary.html
The LBGTRC (soon to be known as the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center as of July 1) is a student-centered campus resource that works to celebrate, affirm, and empower LGBTQA+ members of the Michigan State University community. Through education, engagement, advocacy, and student support, we work to create an inclusive campus culture for people of all genders and sexual identities. We provide intersectional educational and social programming and collaborate with student leaders and campus partners to build community and increase a sense of belonging.
The Center has a great glossary of terms and definitions that affirm and provide clarity on most things LGBTQIA+. Please take time to access this resources, especially when you find yourself wondering, “If I only knew…”
Retrieved from and for more information: https://lbgtrc.msu.edu/
30+ Examples of Heterosexual (Straight) Privileges
https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2012/01/29-examples-of-heterosexual-privilege/
If you're heterosexual, these are a bunch of unearned benefits you get that folks with other sexualities do not. Read them and consider them. It’s not about shame. It’s about understanding.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.itspronouncedmetrosexual.com/2012/01/29-examples-of-heterosexual-privilege/
The First Pride Marches, in Photos
This Smithsonian article and photo collection provides us with the opportunity to learn about pivotal moments in the fight for equality, recognition and rights. The Christopher Street Liberation Day parades held June 28th, 1970, were a completely new kind of march for LGBTQIA+ rights. They were bold, unapologetic, and transgressed the expectations of gender and closeted relationships expected of the time. While the emphasis on respectability was still firmly in place in many circles, the people marching exuberantly through New York City were a part of a newer branch of the movement that shifted focus from proving that LGBTQIA+ people were just like everyone else to instead emphasizing that despite difference, LGBTQIA+ people still held the inherent worth and dignity of all people. Seeing what this looked like in person at this very vulnerable time in history is incredibly valuable in understanding just what was at risk and who was willing to take that chance.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.smithsonianmag.com/history/first-pride-marches-photos-1-180972379/
Continued Learning
Creating Safe Spaces within Extension Programs
Extension agents, educators, and specialists are challenged to find effective ways to ensure that our participants learn in program contexts that are inclusive and respectful of all people. In order to make our programs inclusive environments, it is important for us to be brave enough to disrupt statements that are demeaning and marginalize others. This article gives practical ways to deal with statements made by participants that are grounded in prejudice, discrimination, stereotyping, and scapegoating.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://archives.joe.org/joe/2014december/tt5.php
Country Queer Podcast
Country Queers uplifts often unheard stories of rural queer experiences across intersecting layers of identity including race, class, gender identity, age, religion, and occupation.
Retrieved from and to listen to the podcast: https://www.countryqueers.com/
13 Books with Queer Joy to Block Out the World:
When it comes to books with LGBTQ+-centered narratives, we all know the tropes and they usually aren’t great. But hey, not all queer books are sad! And listen, I love a good sad story, I’m all about emotion. There’s a time and a place, and maybe this isn’t it (or maybe for you it is, you do you!). If you need a good queer read that is more on the uplifting side, here are some places to start. This list includes some poetry, which can be consumed in smaller chunks for the days when that’s all you can do; some YA titles that are fast reads but far from boring; some short stories, graphic books, humor, memoir, and a couple of novels. Note that some of these books do contain elements of struggle or sadness, but all of them approach their language and narrative with a sense of playfulness, joy, and reverence for the weird and wonderful. Especially the weird and wonderful things about being queer.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.autostraddle.com/13-books-with-queer-joy-to-block-out-the-world/
“It Feels Good to Be Yourself” by Theresa Thorn (Children’s Book)
Some people are boys. Some people are girls. Some people are both, neither, or somewhere in between.
This sweet, straightforward exploration of gender identity will give children a fuller understanding of themselves and others. With child-friendly language and vibrant art, It Feels Good to Be Yourself provides young readers and parents alike with the vocabulary to discuss this important topic with sensitivity.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.amazon.com/Feels-Good-Be-Yourself-Identity/dp/1250302951/ref=sr_1_1?crid=2A17W7KCJEAJ4&dchild=1&keywords=it+feels+good+to+be+yourself&qid=1623023257&sprefix=it+feels+g%2Caps%2C190&sr=8-1
To watch a video on the book: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iepzQbCB48o
“How to Use Neopronouns According to an Expert & People Who Use Them”
An overview of the why neopronouns exist and how people can familiarize themselves with them, respect those who use them, and understand the sorts of people who use them. This site also includes some of the history of neopronoun use.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.bustle.com/wellness/how-to-use-neopronouns-expert
Exploring Pronouns
Michigan State University’s Lesbian, Bisexual, Gay, and Transgender Resource Center has compiled resources on what pronouns are and why their correct use is important in validating people’s identities, in addition to a basic FAQ.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://lbgtrc.msu.edu/education/pronouns.html
“Pronouns”
Pronouns are basically words used to refer to a person other than their name. When a trans person comes out they may have new pronouns they want to use. They, She and He are all examples of common pronouns. Some people also prefer less common pronouns. They, Xe and Ey are a few common gender neutral pronouns. They’re basically pronouns that don’t imply ‘male’ or ‘female’.
This interactive website provides an opportunity to practice the use of neopronouns as individuals are allowed to choose a set of pronouns and practice using them in different grammatical contexts.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://pronouns.minus18.org.au/
A Guide to Gender Identity Terms – National Public Radio (NPR)
Issues of equality and acceptance of transgender and nonbinary people — along with challenges to their rights — have become a major topic in the headlines. These issues can involve words and ideas and identities that are new to some.
That's why we've put together a glossary of terms relating to gender identity. Our goal is to help people communicate accurately and respectfully with one another.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.npr.org/2021/06/02/996319297/gender-identity-pronouns-expression-guide-lgbtq
Muskegon Pride Conference and Resource Fair
Get ready to connect, celebrate, and learn during our first annual Muskegon Pride conference and resource fair.This FREE virtual event focuses on bringing speakers, resources and the community together to connect and empower in celebration of Pride Month 2021.
To register: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/muskegon-pride-virtual-conference-and-resource-fair-tickets-156963968455
Latino USA podcast - Lorena’s ‘Alcance’
One year after her passing, we remember the life and explore the legacy of Lorena Borjas, known as the mother of the translatina community in Queens, New York.
Retrieved from and to listen: https://www.latinousa.org/2021/05/28/lorenasalcance/
Middle Sexualities
An author describes their experience of being bisexual and the difficulties in recognition both in the LGBTQ+ community and outside of it.
Retrieved from: https://shoutoutjmu.com/2017/09/30/navigating-as-a-middle-sexuality-why-im-not-gay-enough/
What is Pansexuality
Our mainstream culture has reached a point where most people are familiar with straight, gay, lesbian, and bisexual identities, but there's less understanding about pansexuality. What is pansexual? We break it down here, with help from Carol Queen, the legendary staff sexologist at Good Vibrations in San Francisco. We'll also explore how pansexuality differs from bisexuality, and talk to people who identify as pansexual about what it means to them.
Retrieved from: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/what-is-pansexuality
What bisexual people wish others knew about their sexuality
Bisexual men and women have often been an afterthought of the LGBTQ+ movement and can often be seen as deceptive or transient by straight people. The Guyliner speaks to bi people about what they’ve experienced from others and what they’ve learned about themselves
Retrieved from: https://www.gq-magazine.co.uk/lifestyle/article/bisexuality-definition
Bisexual vs Pansexual: What’s the Difference?
In this video Luxander explains the nuance behind multiple attraction terms that tend to be put under the bisexual umbrella. Very useful for those who are looking for additional specifics on the difference between some of the less common identity terms.
Retrieved from: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=x5P_xF1JuUk
Bisexual and Pansexual and Polysexual, Oh My!
A bisexual woman’s take on defining terms relevant to our community. As someone who’s been living as an out and proud bisexual for the past four years, I’ve had lots of time to field straight, and sometimes gay and lesbian, people’s questions about my sexuality. I have decided to write up a quick glossary of terms in order to clear up some misconceptions.
Retrieved from: https://medium.com/@sashaperigo/bisexual-and-pansexual-and-polysexual-oh-my-cb553a0a237e
What it Means to be ‘Aromantic,’ According to Aromantic People
Having crushes, dating and falling in love may seem like universal human experiences, but that’s not the case for everyone. People who identify as aromantic ― or “aro” for short ― don’t experience romantic attraction and generally aren’t interested in romantic relationships. “Aromanticism has been around as long as humans have been on this earth, but the term and its existence as an identity and orientation was only recognized recently,” said Kelsey Lee, director of social media for The Asexual Visibility and Education Network (AVEN), which also serves the aromantic community. “Around 2005 is when we started to see it being used as its own identity, thus gaining more understanding that aromanticism is not the same as asexuality.”
Retrieved from: https://www.huffpost.com/entry/what-does-it-mean-to-be-aromantic_n_5bb501cee4b01470d04de20d
Trevor Project Support Center: Asexual
Love doesn’t equal sex. It’s important to remember that asexuality is an umbrella term, and exists on a spectrum. Asexual people – also known as “Ace” or “Aces” – may have little interest in having sex, even though most desire emotionally intimate relationships. Within the ace community there are many ways for people to identify.
Retrieved from: https://www.thetrevorproject.org/trvr_support_center/asexual/
7 Facts You Should Know About Aromantic People
An author’s story of what their identity as an Aromantic person means to them and what others need to know about their orientation and humanness.
Retrieved from: https://www.them.us/story/facts-you-should-know-about-aromantic-people
We All Have a Role to Play: The Fight against Anti-Transgender Legislation
During a record-breaking year for state legislative attacks against the transgender community, ELLE turned to experts and activists for a roundtable discussion about how we got here—and where the fight goes next.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.elle.com/culture/career-politics/a36423383/anti-transgender-legislation-2021-roundtable/=
6 Major Moments in Queer History BEYOND the Stonewall Riots
During Pride Month, we honor Pride's radical origins at the Stonewall Inn in 1969. But what we don't often hear about are the other political actions and uprisings that have advanced the LGBTQ+ rights movement from as far back as the 1920s through today. In this video, Billy Porter summarizes several important actions and activist groups beyond the Stonewall Rebellion in 1969.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://www.them.us/story/queer-history-beyond-stonewall
How to Survive a Plague Documentary - Available through MSU Libraries
Profiling activists who helped identify and distribute promising treatments for HIV and AIDS in order to save those suffering from the disease.
Retrieved from and for more information: http://catalog.lib.msu.edu/search~S39?/Xhow+to+survive+a+plague&SORT=D/X]how+to+survive+a+plague&SORT=D&search=how+to+survive+a+plague&SUBKEY=how+to+survive+a+plague/1%2C17%2C17%2CB/frameset&FF=Xhow+to+survive+a+plague&SORT=D&4%2C4%2C
The Janus Society and Dewey’s Restaurant
This article marks the 56th anniversary of the Dewey Lunch Counter Sit-Ins. An infamous moment in queer history when gender-diverse youth challenged their exclusion from an American Diner. Four years before Stonewall and the formal Gay Rights Movement broke into mainstream consciousness, queer revolutionaries were already preparing for battle. From the formation of the Janus Society to the distribution of Drum Magazine, queer culture thrived in Philadelphia. Today we’re heading to the “City of Brotherly Love'', to discuss a place rich in all history, but especially LGBTQ+ history.
Retrieved from and for more information: https://yourqueerstory.com/the-janus-society-deweys-restaurant/
“They are not including us. We have to stand up”
Revolutionary transgender activist, elder, community leader and icon, Miss Major, shares her thoughts and perspectives on police brutality, the current protests, and why we still have a long way to go to truly make all Black lives matter.
Retrieved from and for more information:https://www.blackwomenradicals.com/blog-feed/they-are-not-including-us-we-have-to-stand-up-miss-major-speaks-on-why-the-fight-to-end-state-violence-must-be-inclusive
Meet “The Mother of Pride,” The Pioneering Bisexual Activist Brenda Howard:
Often portrayed as a straight woman “helping” to commemorate the Christopher Street Uprising, now known as the Stonewall Rebellion, Brenda Howard was a vibrant bisexual activist known for her work advocating for bisexual, polyamorous, and kink communities. Brenda Howard is also known as the “Mother of Pride,” and her passion for education led to the first commemoration being a march and a week of educational workshops, much as it still is in many places today. She was married to a man and experienced the kind of bisexual erasure still common today and was regularly seen in marches carrying a sign that said “still bisexual” with her partner, who still carries the sign today (Howard died in 2005). Despite expanding understanding of human sexuality, bisexual and pansexual individuals still experience erasure today.
Retrieved from: https://www.them.us/story/brenda-howard
Armchair Expert Podcast - Susan Stryker
Susan Stryker is a professor, author, filmmaker, and theorist whose work focuses on gender and human sexuality. Susan joins the Armchair Expert to discuss the transgender experience in today’s modern world, consulting on the Lady and the Dale docuseries, and how transgender hate is rooted in racism, colonization, and oppression. Susan and Dax talk about the history of criminalization of non-reproductive sexuality, the cross-cultural view of transgender people, and what transmisogyny means. Susan and Dax debate how people should approach transgender Olympic athletes, beliefs about masculinity, and what actually gives an athlete an advantage.
Retrieved from and to listen to the podcast:https://armchairexpertpod.com/pods/susan-styker
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