Pride is a moment in time to reinforce our unwavering support of LGBTQ+ communities, both this month and all year long.
This month and every month we recognize the diversity and richness of LGBTQ+ communities. We will continue to fight for a world where everyone has the dignity and inalienable right to be who they are, to love who they want to love, and to express themselves in an authentic, affirming way — no matter what.
There is no pride for some without pride for ALL, and that extends to health care. We believe everyone deserves good health care. Everyone deserves a sex life that is healthy, happy, and free from shame and stigma. And everyone deserves a health care provider who understands and respects their needs.
As a part of our affiliate-wide Pride celebration this June, we wanted to hear from you. We launched our "Pride: In Your Words" campaign, asking our staff and supporters a simple question: "What does Pride mean to you?”
Here are some of the responses:
(Some names and identifying details have been changed to protect the privacy of individuals.)
“Living an authentic life, celebrating you and your true colors, remembering those whose shoulders we stand on in the LGBTQ community, and reminding us the work is never over.“
“Pride is about creating a safe space for all staff and patients to be free of negativity, judgment, or stigma. A space that recognizes that out of all of the things you can possibly ever be, the most important thing to be is NICE (non-judgmental, inclusive, caring, empathic).”
“To me, Pride = Resistance = Joy = Power = Honor. It is living unapologetically, authentically, and powerfully. It is resisting the world - continuing to live PROUDLY despite the obstacles, despite the negativity in the world, despite the denial. Pride is honoring the legacy and hard-fought struggles of ALL of those who come before us, especially our Black and Brown trans sisters.“
“Freedom, celebration of accomplishment, LOVE, CARE, history, honoring and grieving the loved ones who were not so fortunate just because they loved someone of their same sex.”
“Pride is celebrating who you are and supporting others to be their authentic selves. It's about showing up for each other and being incredibly brave and vulnerable no matter what!”
“Pride means affirming my identity as a queer bisexual woman and releasing the shame and stigma imposed by society since childhood. It is honoring those who fought for our visibility, rights, and inclusion, and remembering those who risked their lives resisting oppressive systems. It is ensuring that all can see and feel the power and value in chosen family, community support, creative expression, and love without limitations.”
“A community of innovators and culture! As Samantha Jones said, "First come the gays, then the girls, then the industry!"
“To me, pride represents a celebration of identity, love, and community. It’s a time to honor the diversity within the LGBTQ+ community and it embodies self-acceptance, self-LOVE, and the empowerment to live authentically and openly! It’s a reminder of the progress we’ve made and the work that still needs to be done.”
“Pride is an opportunity to remember that there was a time when we were only allowed to love in the shadows. We still have so much work to do, but many people can feel safe to love out loud who couldn't before the work of our activists.“
“Pride is about celebrating love in all its forms and is a reminder that we are ALL welcome and all worthy of love.”
“The anniversary of the Stonewall riots reminds us to celebrate the beauty of queer diversity, to salute all struggles for dignity, and to recognize the work and demands of those most marginalized, as we continue to build durable collective movements for civil rights.”
“Celebrating the diversity and resilience of the LGBTQ community.”
“Pride means acceptance and acknowledging the diversity we hold as humans as well as the freedom to be who you are.”
“Pride means celebrating the diversity of human expression of love and sexuality. In 1983, I attended my first pride march in NYC. I was with my best friend Kate, her mom, and her new partner, who she met after divorcing Kate’s dad. I was a teenager and knew nothing about what it meant to be gay. What I did know was that Kate's mom and her partner loved each other and they loved Kate. We danced and sang down 5th Avenue and into the Village. It was pure joy, freedom, and beauty. Pride means love, courage, hope, and resilience for a better future.”
“Pride is a time for joyous celebration, solidarity, and visibility, where LGBTQ+ individuals and allies come together to honor their identities, affirm their worth, and create a more inclusive and accepting society.”
“Pride means JOY! And JOY is an act of RESISTANCE! Living my most authentic life in the open! Being married to my wife and living joyously and proudly! Being able to be authentic in both my personal life AND professional life is profoundly validating and a source of tremendous PRIDE!”
Thank you all for your meaningful and heartfelt responses. At Planned Parenthood of Northern, Central, and Southern New Jersey, we are proud to celebrate and uplift the voices and experiences of every LGBTQIA+ community and their health care needs.
Happy Pride!
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