6/1/2023 1:03:38 PM
Happy Pride Month Minnesota!
Pride celebrates LGBTQIA+* Minnesotans and the joy, resistance, and pivotal moments in history that have brought us closer to ensuring that LGBTQIA+ rights are truly civil rights.
This year’s Pride comes at a time of increased hate against the LGBTQIA+ community, particularly transgender community members.
There are multiple Pride Month themes happening across the country, from “Peace, Love, and Revolution” to “Strength in Solidarity”. These themes center the importance of building an inclusive state where people of all gender identities and sexual orientations can thrive.
Take Pride that in 1993, Minnesota became the first state in the country to prohibit sexual orientation and gender identity discrimination in workplaces, housing, government services, education, credit, and businesses.
It takes all of us to end gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination. This means advancing inclusive policies, such as the Take Pride Act. On August 1, 2023, this Act will better reflect Minnesota’s LGBTQIA+ communities by clarifying critical protections for LGBTQIA+ Minnesotans, while also removing outdated and prejudicial language from the Minnesota Human Rights Act.
Ending gender identity and sexual orientation discrimination also means working to address and implement meaningful changes, such as when we reached a consent agreement with CSL Plasma after the company barred a transgender woman and a non-binary Minnesotan from donating plasma.
While we celebrate Pride, we know that homophobia, biphobia, and transphobia persists. This is especially true for LGBTQIA+ people who are Black, Indigenous, people of color, people with disabilities, youth and elders, and more.
Check out pride events happening in the area to celebrate Pride Month!
Mark your calendars in September for Hispanic Heritage Month.
