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June is PRIDE Month, which honors and celebrates the collective challenges and joys of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Unfortunately, LGBTQIA+ folk are often at an increased risk of experiencing domestic and intimate partner abuse. As such, we stand in solidarity with the organizations that support our queer community. We spoke briefly with Peter Flood, Community Programs Manager (he/him/his) of Bradbury-Sullivan LGBT Community Center. Read his words below!
Q: What does Pride mean to you?
Peter- Pride is a continual reminder to the world that the LGBTQ+ community exists and we will fight for our rights. The world gets to choose if that fight is civil or not.
Q: What is something you wish everyone knew or understood about your work?
Peter- Because of persistent cultural shame it can be difficult for LGBTQ+ people to connect with others authentically. Part of the work the center does is give queer folks a third space to connect in. And a specifically sober third space so they aren't pressured into potentially unsafe situations perpetuated by targeted marketing by multi-billion-dollar industries like tobacco and alcohol.
Q: Why do you host Lehigh Valley Pride during a different month than Pride month (June)?
Peter- We host LV Pride in August mostly so that we can support as many prides across the state as we can. Since most prides are in June our team is stretched pretty thin that month and don't have the time or energy to put on our own pride then. So, we celebrate in August to act as a bridge between pride month and Coming out Day in October. This was also the tradition of the organization that coordinated Pride in the Park before us.
Q: How can the community best show their allyship and honor LGBTQ+ individuals?
Peter- There are so many great ways to support the community. Words of support, attending pride, writing to state and federal representatives on behalf of our rights, donating to nonprofits, or joining mutual aid groups.
Q: What upcoming events would you like us to share during Pride Month?
Peter-
o Queer movies at the Civic Theater--
| A Nice Indian Boy- June 6th – June 8th | On Swift Horses- June 13th – 15th |The Wedding Banquet- June 20th – 22nd | Young Hearts- June 27th-29th|
o Bethlehem Flag Raising- June 6th at 1-2pm
o Shankweiler's Drive-in LGBTQ+ movie night- June 10th
o Pride Night at the IronPigs- June 17th
o Allentown Out and Proud Flag Raising- June 28th 4-7pm
o Lehigh Valley Pride- Aug. 17th from 2-7pm
Abuse does not discriminate, and neither do we at Turning Point. Please visit our website at TurningPointLV.org to view more about our confidential services offered at no cost to ALL survivors. Also, make sure to visit BradburySullivanCenter.org to learn more about their services and supports available to the community.
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