That’s why today we’ll be looking at Pride Month resources for members of the community and allies. We’ll go over some of the stats, as well as LGBTQ+ charities and organizations that help LGBTQ+ people live their happiest, safest lives.
Table of Contents
When Is Pride Month 2023?
Pride Month 2023 is in June. Why June? The first Pride parade was held in June, one year after the famous Stonewall riots. Both the riots and the parade were instrumental in moving LGBTQ+ rights forward.
The official chant of the parade was, “Say it loud, gay is proud!” Now, more than 50 years after the riots, we still have Pride parades in June to commemorate and celebrate gay rights.
Financial Inequality in the LGBTQ+ Community
The only problem is that, even after homosexuality and “cross-dressing” were de-criminalized, society’s views remained largely unchanged. Even to this day, LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience discrimination such as housing inequality, lower pay, and medical discrimination.
These practices are illegal, but sadly they still happen. Any individual person in any field can be negatively biased, and that bias can lead to mistreatment.
In the healthcare field especially, individual healthcare professionals can be highly discriminatory and unprofessional. The fear of discrimination can lead queer individuals, especially older individuals to delay seeking care. Members of the LGBTQ+ community are also less likely to have health insurance or a regular provider than their cishet peers.
This may, in part, be because members of this community are almost twice as likely to experience unemployment and food insecurity. Even accounting for other factors, the rates for poverty or homelessness are at least 5% higher for members of the LGBTQ+ community.
There are a number of factors explaining these high poverty rates. One of which is that people in the LGBTQ+ community frequently lack family support. This gives them no “backup” and can lead them to accept jobs that underpay… if they can find a job at all.
Resumes where applicants self-identify as gay, lesbian, or transgender receive fewer callbacks. 1-in-10 LGBTQ+ workers report pay, promotion, or hiring discrimination, or had been harassed at work because of their gender identity or sexual orientation.
LGBTQ+ people are more likely to get higher interest rates on loans or credit cards. They’re more likely to experience housing discrimination when they rent or take out a mortgage. All of these work together to leave nearly half of LGBTQ+ people feeling like they can’t control their finances.
LGBTQ+ Organizations To Donate To
Fortunately, there are organizations out there trying to help. Some of the best ways to be an ally to the queer community are to listen, offer support, and donate to non-profits. These organizations are providing help from LGBTQ+ people for LGBTQ+ people, and filling needs that other charities often overlook.
The Trevor Project offers help to gay or questioning youths, including a 24/7 crisis support hotline. One accepting adult can decrease a queer teen’s risk of suicide by 40%, and The Trevor Project’s hotline has saved hundreds of lives by providing a caring, accepting space.
HRC Foundation is dedicated to changing systems that discriminate against LGBTQ+ people. They’ve helped provide worker protection, started anti-bias anti-bullying programs in schools, and assist in finding accepting foster and adoption homes for LGBTQ+ children and teens.
GLAD provides legal assistance and referrals to LGBTQ+ people who have experienced illegal discrimination. GLAD primarily serves the New England area but has resources for people all over the country.
Pride Month Resources
Anyone can (and should!) celebrate Pride Month, regardless of their gender identity or sexual orientation. Some of the best Pride Month resources are right under your nose. Your local library may be an excellent place to start. Public libraries may run events, feature books by LGBTQ+ authors, or direct you to other resources for learning more and being a supportive ally.
You can also check social media. The number of people educating and sharing their experiences as members of the LGBTQ+ community is constantly growing. You can find people posting about their travel, life, and yes, their finances.
Is social media not your fav? Check out the Queer Money Podcast. Run by a gay couple with more than 35 years of experience in the finance industry, their tips provide incredible help for anyone struggling with money.
Last but not least, check out the Library of Congress’s Pride Month resources. Their Pride Month page has hundreds of beautiful and interesting works. Historical events that were significant to Pride, art and music by LGBTQ+ artists and even journals and letters from historical figures are all featured. This beautiful collection is perfect for everyone to celebrate this Pride Month!
Celebrating Pride Month 2023
Being in the LGBTQ+ community and being an ally are different experiences. The discrimination members of the community face is something an ally won’t be able to perfectly relate to. Pride Month 2023, make a commitment to listen to the stories you hear. Whether the story is on the news or from someone in your life, be supportive.
The only way to create a more equitable world is through understanding and decisive action. This Pride Month, we can all learn from and honor the brave people who moved LGBTQ+ rights forward. Every day, we can stick up for each other and call out discrimination where we see it.
The best way to call out financial discrimination is by knowing your rights. Here at Penny Calling Penny, we want to educate everyone on their financial rights and options so you can build a better financial future. Subscribe to our newsletter for information about budgeting, credit, saving, and financial rules and regulations. Happy Pride!
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