Pride Month is celebrated in the United States from June 1-30. It is a time to celebrate people who are Two-Spirit, Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender, Queer, Intersex, Asexual, Pansexual, Genderfluid and Nonbinary.

The Stonewall Riots of 1969 sparked a national movement of advocacy, justice, and solidarity that has spanned over five decades. LGBTQ advocacy holds a unique history in Oregon. In 1970, Peggy Burton, a teacher based in Turner, Oregon, bravely challenged discrimination when she was dismissed from her position due to her sexual orientation. Her ensuing federal civil rights lawsuit marked a milestone as the first of its kind filed by an openly LGBT public school teacher in the United States, and notably, the first civil rights lawsuit of any nature initiated by an LGBT individual in Oregon.

The pride flag originated in 1974 when Harvey Milk, the first openly gay man elected into office in the United States, tasked Gilbert Baker, an American artist and activist, to create a symbol for the LGBTQ community. The original pride flag made its debut at the San Francisco Gay Freedom Day Parade on June 25, 1978. Over time, the flag has seen many iterations and has expanded into more umbrella flags to represent different identities and orientations.

Join us in celebrating Pride Month. The links below provide a selection of events, local organizations and other resources. The board resolution includes more resources and book titles.

Events

Clatsop County

• Astoria: Includes a parade, Pride Gayla event and more

Washington County

• Beaverton: Includes a party in the park, entertainment and a parade
• Hillsboro: Includes a pride party, 5K and celebration
• Portland: Includes parade, waterfront festival, shows and more
• Tigard: Includes a parade and festival

Resources for Action and Further Learning

Educational Foundations

• Identiversity - explains terminology, gender identity, orientation and intersectionality with clarity
• GLSEN: LGBTQ History Coloring Book - a creative, accessible resource for youth and families
• It Gets Better Project - stories of resilience from LGBTQ+ youth and adults

Books and Reading Lists

• Hillsboro Public Library LGBTQIA+ List (Adults) - curated fiction and non-fiction
• Pride and Less Prejudice: LGBTQ+ Books for Teens - young adult stories with LGBTQ+ characters front and center
• LGBTQ+ YA Books to Read All Year Long - young adult stories organized by genre with a mix of the classics and new titles
• "All Boys Aren't Blue" by George M Johnson - a powerful memoir for high school+ readers
• "This Book is Gay" by Juno Dawson - honest and educational, frequently used in middle and high schools

Podcasts

• Queer America (Learning for Justice) - for educators teaching inclusive history
• Gender Reveal - explores gender identity and expression
• LGBTQ&A - interviews with notable LGBTQ+ figures

Community & Advocacy Organizations

• Q Center - Portland - resources, events and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families
• PFLAG - support for parents, families and allies
• Pride Northwest - organizers of Portland's Pride events and youth support
• Basic Rights Oregon - advocacy, legislation and leadership training
• Rainbow Youth - support services for LGBTQ+ youth

Surveys

• Annual Youth Survey from the Trevor Project

View the board resolution here.