Written by: Rachael Drapcho, LPC at Marwil & Associates Psychotherapy
June has always been one of my favorite months. As a kid, I looked forward to summer vacation, eating ice cream, and swimming in pools and ponds. As a queer adult who has attended many Pride Month celebrations, I associate June and the start of summer with acceptance, feeling proud of who I am, and being truly authentic.
To celebrate, I wanted to share some cool facts about pride month and why we celebrate in june as well as a look inside my personal experience about coming out in my college years.
Why is Pride Month in June?
Pride Month takes many forms in many US Cities, but here in Chicago, June is a month full of celebrations, demonstrations, and education around LGBTQ identity, history and rights. In most US Cities, Pride Month is usually celebrated in June to honor the anniversary of the Stonewall Uprising that occurred on June 28, 1969. Although certainly not the first demonstration against gay and trans discrimination in the US, the Stonewall Uprising is often noted as a turning point for LBGTQ+ organizing and advocacy. The first pride parade occurred in New York a year after the Stonewall Uprising on June 28, 1970, and since then other cities and towns also held parades and demonstrations to increase LGBTQ+ visibility, advocacy, education, and celebration.
The importance of Celebrating Who We Are
When I came out in college, Pride Month events were some of the first times I felt truly seen for who I am. I felt like I could show up as my whole self without hiding anything, and I also felt empowered to speak on issues that were important for me and my community. Pride parades were one of the places I felt true acceptance, and they gave me the resolve to make important life changes and live in the direction of my values.
In addition to attending pride events, therapy also helped me come out and live as my true self. Therapy helped me understand myself, learn more about what I wanted, practice self-compassion and self-love, navigate coming out conversations, and be assertive when I felt minimized or devalued. It provided me with an objective person in my corner to validate my story, problem-solve when needed, and affirm my growth.
If you’re looking for a person to support you in celebrating yourself, the LGBTQ+ affirming counselors here at Marwil & Associates are here to help. Reach out today!