YMCA of Greater Seattle’s Post

Every June, cities around the world are awash in vibrant rainbows as the LGBTQ+ community and allies celebrate Pride Month. This celebration is often associated with coming out, a pivotal moment for many LGBTQ+ individuals. However, Pride Month is about much more than that. It is a powerful affirmation of pride in oneself, a celebration of self-acceptance, and a call to embrace our authentic identities. Coming out is undoubtedly significant; it marks a personal and often transformative journey. Yet, Pride Month extends beyond this singular act. It is about recognizing and honoring the ongoing process of self-acceptance. For many, embracing their identity is a lifelong journey that involves overcoming societal prejudices, internalized stigma, and personal struggles. Pride Month celebrates the courage it takes to live authentically every day. Moreover, Pride is about visibility and representation. It serves as a reminder that LGBTQ+ individuals exist in all walks of life and deserve to be seen, heard, and respected. This visibility is crucial in fostering a sense of belonging and community, especially for those who might feel isolated or marginalized as I did growing up and even through my young adulthood. I felt I was worth less than the folks who were “normal”. At its core, Pride is about love and self-respect. It’s a declaration that everyone deserves to love and be loved, free from fear and discrimination. It's about acknowledging the worth and dignity of every individual, regardless of their sexual orientation or gender identity. In essence, Pride Month is a celebration of the entire journey of self-acceptance. It’s about coming out, yes, but it's also about what comes after—living openly, authentically, and proudly. It’s a time to embrace who we are and to support others in their journeys toward self-acceptance. Pride is not just an event; it's a powerful affirmation of identity, community, and love…FOR EVERYONE. I’m proud to be a part of an organization who celebrates this month with our community!

In New York City, around 1,000 young adults age out of foster care each year, and about 20% of them become immediately homeless. Communities like Homeward Central Harlem -- a supportive housing development in Harlem with services for LGBTQ+ young adults -- provide on-site supportive services such as counseling, case management for residents to access financial and health care benefits, connections to community resources, group activities, and skills-building programs. Here's the thing. We know how to end homelessness. It's to provide supportive housing that benefits individuals and families, provides the stability they need, and also ends up costing less than cycling individuals through jail and emergency rooms. This is the model for moving forward. And it's why nearly a fifth of our tax credit investments are in permanent supportive housing at Enterprise Community Partners. Because we know it works. https://lnkd.in/eDsA_jzt

“The last few years have been marked by an alarming rise in assaults on LGBTQIA+ lives and rights. Longstanding anti-LGBTQIA+ violence, criminalization, and exclusion have created significant inequities for LGBTQIA+ people and organizations, particularly TGNC [trans and gender-nonconforming] communities of color.” #PrideMonth might be over, but support for the LGBTQIA+ community must be ongoing so everyone has a fair and just opportunity to thrive—which includes community development efforts that create housing and physical spaces for people to safely gather with their community. Learn more from Local Initiatives Support Corporation (LISC)’s Julia Duranti-Martínez about how collective ownership, funding, and community-building efforts can support LGBTQIA+ leaders as they work to make their visions for a more equitable future a reality. https://lnkd.in/ec4WrCWu

🏳️🌈 Why sign up as a Safe Space in Logan? 🏳️🌈 Visibility matters. Why? Because it helps create a culture of acceptance and belonging for our LGBTQIA+ community. Because everyone deserves to feel like they are safe. Everyone deserves to feel like they belong. And everyone should feel safe when engaging with their local services, businesses and communities. Knowing that you're welcome (without having to ask first) can make all the difference in the world. Why not put your hand up as a Safe Space in Logan? Find out more here >> https://buff.ly/4bdbzfm

Part 2: 6. Healing Spaces Expanding the Vision Encouraged by the success of the initial safe house, Sarah and Alex set their sights on expanding the “Healing Spaces” network. Each new location is tailored to the needs of its community, with some specializing in support for survivors of domestic violence, others for those escaping human trafficking, and still others offering sanctuary to LGBTQ+ youth facing homelessness. Overcoming Challenges Despite their successes, Sarah and Alex face ongoing challenges, from funding shortages to legal hurdles and opposition from some community members resistant to change. Each obstacle is met with resilience, as they leverage media attention, community support, and innovative funding models to sustain and grow the “Healing Spaces” initiative. A Model of Hope “Healing Spaces” evolves into a beacon of hope, not just for the individuals it serves but also as a model for how real estate can be leveraged for social good. The project demonstrates the power of empathy, innovation, and community partnership in addressing complex social issues. Reflection Through the lens of “Healing Spaces,” readers are invited to consider the profound impact that safe, supportive environments can have on healing and rebuilding lives. The story of Sarah and Alex’s partnership underscores the potential for every segment of society, including the business sector, to contribute to the welfare and empowerment of the most vulnerable among us, paving the way for a more inclusive and compassionate community.

As #PrideMonth2024 comes to an end, let’s remember to continuously celebrate and support the LGBTQIA+ community all year-round. At YLD, we are committed to creating an inclusive workplace and continuously strive to improve our support for the LGBTQIA+ community. We host regular learning sessions with our team, and together with community advocates we explore new ways to support the LGBTQIA+ community together. Let's keep the discussion going: How are you supporting the LGBTQIA+ community? Comment below! #PrideMonth #pride #inclusivity

Happy Pride Month! 🌈 As we celebrate Pride Month, it's important to bring awareness to the challenges faced by the LGBTQIA+ community. Many individuals find themselves in situations and workplaces where they aren't sure if they will be welcomed, accepted, or even safe. This month serves as a reminder that our support and advocacy should extend beyond these 30 days and be part of our everyday lives. I love seeing the rainbow logos everywhere - it brings me hope. But Pride Month isn't just about one month of recognition. It’s about showing continuous support and being active allies. It's about fostering an environment where everyone, regardless of their identity, feels safe and valued. It's essential to amplify voices across the LGBTQIA+ spectrum and work towards a future where everyone can live authentically without fear. Let's use this month to educate, support each other, and build inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive. 🏳️🌈💪 #PrideMonth #Inclusion #Advocacy

This #PrideMonth, we have collated some tips and wins for your business and employees to make sure the LGBTQIA+ community feel welcome, included and acknowledged 🏳️🌈 🏳️⚧️ Read the full article: https://lnkd.in/eAsR2K84

JND Legal Administration, support that is superficial is getting called out these days. Supporting the LGBTQ+ community requires more than making a post and supporting gay white men… you’ve still got to work on eliminating racism and sexism in your workplace before you can be any kind of positive ally. Yes, I know Jennifer Keough and Neil Zola (who has either removed his profile, or is a sexist and racist coward who blocked me) don’t care. However, Jen seems to care about her social media image and Neil seems to care about liability. A push on both could help towards change. Holding yourself to the standards of Seattle would help your social media image, reduce liability, and if done correctly, would increase both morale and productivity. There’s a reason most business people in Seattle see taking care of your employees as a no brainer, common sense approach. #JNDLegalAdministration #classactions #civilrights #toxicworkenviroment #seattle #LGBTQ+ #alphabetmafia #neilzola

“Organized by Funders for LGBTQ Issues, Funding Forward took place on unceded homelands of the Council of the Three Fires: the Ojibwe, Odawa, and Potawatomi Nations, in the Chicago area this year. During the conference, funders and social movement leaders discussed the landscape of threats facing LGBTQ communities, the community’s power-building work to fight for liberation, and how philanthropy is responding and intervening. Sessions focused on topics ranging from power-building for trans and queer liberation, to disability justice, to safety and security, to funding trans and people of color infrastructure in the South, and more” https://lnkd.in/gbgbyYex