What Pride Means to Us — This Month and Every Month

On June 28, 1969, the New York Police Department raided the Stonewall Inn, a popular gay bar in Greenwich Village, kicking off a violent 6-day rebellion. The Stonewall Uprising, as the protests came to be known, was the culmination of years of activism and is credited with catalyzing the modern lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer/questioning, intersex, asexual, 2-spirit (LGBTQIA2S+) movement.

A year later, the first Pride march was held in New York City to commemorate the 1-year anniversary of the Uprisings. Today, Pride is a month-long event in the U.S. to honor the Stonewall protestors, celebrate the LGBTQIA2S+ community, and call for equal rights.

Champions of Pride

Building a culture that advocates for — and advances — diversity, equity, and inclusion is an ongoing effort that involves everyone at AbleTo. Our Voices of Visibility (VoV) employee resource group is critical to driving that work forward. So in honor of Pride, we asked some VoV members to share what this month means to them.

Andrea Bates (she/her)
Program Therapist

PRIDE month has become a wonderful opportunity for me to show up for the LGBTQIA2S+ community in my area. My teen and I attend at least 2 major events together and have a great time enjoying the various entertainers and supporting the local businesses and organizations that participate. With the way things are in our country today, and with so many laws at risk, our presence as allies is critical and we’re proud to support these and other events throughout the year.

 

 

 

 

Carrie Smith-Hardee (she/they)
Behavioral Coach

For me, Pride is about living in a world in which each person has access to inclusive, comprehensive, and evidence-based resources that allow them to be supported and thrive as their whole authentic self. For too many LGBTQIA2S+ people, finding access to basic health and life resources can still be detrimentally difficult. I’m committed to being a part of helping that change happen. The world grows better if we can all live and love with authenticity and wholeness.

 

 

 

 

Danny Goldenberg (he/him)Manager Client Solutions

To me, Pride is about illuminating the LGBTQIA2S+ community and giving us the spotlight to shine. For so long, we’ve been marginalized and discriminated against, but this month puts that in reverse and allows for joy to shine through. Everyone can be who they want and feel like they belong.

 

 

 

 

 

Kelly Carter (they/them)
Senior Software Engineer & Tech Lead

Sexual and gender diversity have been regarded as “deviant” only relatively recently in world history, and only by humans. It is through experimentation and adaptation that Nature creates growth and abundance, and so we celebrate our survival in cultures of conformity and violence. We practice nurturing ourselves and our communities within and despite economies of exploitation and tokenization. And we imagine futures in which we will all be free — not just freedom for queer people, but for all of us. Pride is the opposite of shame.

 

 

 

Laura Gates (she/her)
Clinical Manager

Pride month as an ally is a way to highlight the importance of being educated about LGBTQIA2S+ concerns and the need to take action. I experience homophobia/heterosexism once removed as I move through life and witness my brother’s lived experience. Allies are extremely important now, especially with the increase in homophobic, discriminatory legislation.

 

 

 

 

 

Nancy Quintero (she/her)
Engagement Specialist

PRIDE month is a time when all my loved ones and friends come together to support the LGBTQIA2S+ community. We show our proudness and togetherness during this month.

 

 

 

 

 

Sari Surkis (she/her)
Clinical Operations Program Advisor

PRIDE is LOVE for 19 years…spending time with my wife is a priority. Being able to be in places free from rejection and discrimination leads to increased self-esteem. Pride means acceptance in community with friends and family and reduces isolation, depression, and the stress of having to worry about how others will react to me or my marriage.

 

 

Sia Giannakakos (she/they)
Manager, Client Solutions

Pride month is community. It’s love. It’s freedom. It’s a time for celebration and a time for expression. Even more importantly, it’s a time for reflection, to remember where we came from, and recognize those who paved the way for us to outwardly celebrate our truest selves.

 

 

 

 

 

Val Ruszovan, LCSW (she/her)
Program Advisor

As a lesbian in my mid-60’s, when I reflect upon what PRIDE month means to me, I am acutely aware of the history of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and how wonderful, yet fragile, our progress has been. Today, more than ever, my PRIDE month is about visibility, advocacy, equality, and joy in knowing I’m exactly who I was meant to be.

 

 

 

 

 

Yvette Stoker (she/her)
Sr. Manager, Vendor & Quality Management

As an LGBTQIA2S+ ally, Pride month is a wonderful time for me and my family to share our love and commitment to inclusion and equality for all. I have always taught my children that at the end of the day, LOVE is all that matters. I feel like showing love for all beings is the only way we will ever know any level of peace in our lives and in our world. Being a member of the executive board of VoV is such an important part of my life at AbleTo and being a part of the contributions and education we provide is very fulfilling. Happy PRIDE everyone!

We’re here to support you

Even with the progress we’ve seen, it can be challenging to navigate the world as an LGBTQIA2S+ person. We know that folks from this community receive negative messages about their worth and belongingness in society, which can take a toll on one’s mental health. If this resonates with you, know that you don’t have to deal with it alone.

From therapy and coaching to self-care tools, AbleTo has taken intentional steps to create a safe and open space for LGBTQIA2S+ individuals to be their true selves, process their emotions, and better understand themselves.

All AbleTo therapists and coaches receive training on cultural competence and cultural humility. This means they learn best practices for working with people from diverse backgrounds and strive to continually grow their understanding of intersecting identities.

In addition, many AbleTo providers also take advantage of continuing education. These trainings help them deepen their knowledge of the LGBTQIA2S+ community and how best to work within it.

“To make sure that we provide the best care possible, our provider training materials were co-created with individuals who have lived LGBTQIA2S+ experience and are leaders in this area at AbleTo,” says Caroline Pittard, PhD, LP, AbleTo Clinical Program Design Specialist. “Our main focus is ensuring that you feel comfortable being your authentic self with your provider. We’d also be honored to help connect you with gender-affirming resources, if needed.”

If you’re interested in working with an AbleTo provider, you can check your eligibility today.

If you’re not ready to work with a provider, please know that other support is available. OutCare Health’s national database is an excellent resource for finding affirming community resources and medical providers. The LGBT National Help Center and the Trevor Project are also great options for more support.

Remember: You matter and so does your mental health.