Pride Month
Recognizing the Intersectionality of the People We Serve
Pride Month is nationally recognized in June. At The Arc this and every month is a time to continue working toward promoting and protecting human rights and achieving greater acceptance and inclusion for all - including our friends and neighbors with IDD who also identify as LGBTQ+.
It is important to recognize the many aspects of a person--not only whether or not they have a disability.
The theory of intersectionality is important for people with intellectual developmental disabilities, and for The Arc, because many people with IDD fall into numerous other minority categories related to race, gender, sexual orientation, and more.
In his 2022 proclamation, President Biden said, “…We honor the resilience of LGBTQI+ people, who are fighting to live authentically and freely. We reaffirm our belief that LGBTQI+ rights are human rights. And we recommit to delivering protections, safety, and equality to LGBTQI+ families so that everyone can realize the full promise of America.”
To read the entire proclamation, please click here.
While the fight for equality, protection, and acceptance of the LGBTQ+ community is far from over, we at The Arc would like to recognize everyone at the intersection of the IDD and LGBTQ communities and thank them for courageously showing their pride every day. We see you AND we support you.
Locally, one of the biggest Pride festivals is this weekend. Denver Pridefest, organized by The Center on Colfax, is a two-day event at Civic Center Park. Festival attendance is anticipated to be more than 500,000, according to The Center. Events range from a 5K, to a parade, and musical performances. Click here for more information.