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

•  Pride on the Coast 2026

Washington County

• Beaverton: Includes a party in the park, entertainment and a parade
• Hillsboro: Includes live music, entertainment, food, activities and community resources
• Portland: Includes parade, waterfront festival, shows and more

Resources for Action and Further Learning

Foundational Learning and Education

• glisten (formerly GLSEN) - Research, educator guides, and school climate resources
• Learning for Justice (Southern Poverty Law Center) -Classroom-ready lessons on identity, equity, and inclusion
• Identiversity - Clear, accessible explanations of gender identity and orientation

Books (Educators and Adults)

• The Savvy Ally by Jeannie Gainsburg
• This Book Is Gay by Juno Dawson
• All Boys Aren’t Blue by George M. Johnson
• Gender Queer by Maia Kobabe

Books (Youth and Classroom Use)

• Julian Is a Mermaid by Jessica Love
• The Pronoun Book by Chris Ayala-Kronos
• Melissa by Alex Gino

Organizations and Community Supports

• The Trevor Project - crisis support for LGBTQ+ youth
• Westside Queer Resource Center - community-building, affinity groups, resources and events
• Q Center - Portland - resources, events and support for LGBTQIA+ individuals and families
• Basic Rights Oregon - advocacy, legislation and leadership training
• Pride Northwest - organizers of Portland's Pride events and youth support
• Rainbow Youth (Oregon-based) - support services for LGBTQ+ youth

Action-Oriented Ideas for Staff and Schools

• Incorporate inclusive texts into classroom libraries
• Use affirming language and model inclusive practices
• Engage in staff discussions or affinity spaces focused on belonging
• Review classroom and school climate for inclusivity signals
• Participate in professional learning focused on LGBTQIA+ student support

View the board resolution here.