Since the Stonewall Uprising in June 1969, June has been celebrated as LGBTQ Pride month. Stonewall was a significant moment in the modern gay rights movement: police had been raiding gay bars for a while, but on June 28th, 1969, patrons fought back and started a political movement. According to GLAAD, this “brought new visibility to the struggle for LGBT equality” and started the modern gay rights movement.
June is often celebrated with “pride parades, picnics, parties, workshops, symposia and concerts, and LGBTQ Pride Month events attract millions of participants around the world,” according to the Library of Congress. Other events include memorials for those who lost their lives in HIV/AIDS or hate crimes, and recognitions for all the LGBTQ people who have made significant contributions to our society.
Libraries across New Jersey are celebrating Pride with a variety of events and programs. The Metuchen Public Library is hosting a Drag Queen Story Hour on Thursday June 27th from 7-8 pm. This event is being hosted by the Metuchen Public Library and the Metuchen Human Relations Commission and will feature drag queen Chrisy Fabs. This event is free and open to the public, and promises lots of fun and fabulousness. Librarian Moira Whittington says, “ In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions…. This is an especially great program for the diverse community that we now live in.”
Drag Queen Story Hour has been popping up nationwide. The goal of these events is to, “capture the imagination and play of the gender fluidity of childhood and gives kids glamorous, positive, and unabashedly queer role models. In spaces like this, kids are able to see people who defy rigid gender restrictions and imagine a world where people can present as they wish, where dress up is real.” For DQSH events happening nationwide, visit their calendar here.
The Englewood Public Library is holding an event put on by the town’s Mayor, Michael Wildes. The Pride Ceremony on June 19th at 6 pm will include a flag raising ceremony and special guest Margaret Josephs from The Real Housewives of New Jersey. After the event there will be a networking event at Blue Moon Mexican Cafe in Englewood. Mayor Wildes says of the event, “Englewood, named for its ‘Trees’ enjoys a legacy of deep diverse roots. Many of our communities find comfort in the different cultures and prosper in their environs. Well-travelled and noted talent who hail from our City often remark that there is something special about our inclusion and respect for one another. This event marks our support of yet another important part of our Englewood citizenry and family!”
On June 18th, the Piscataway Public Library hosted a Pride event centered around pronouns. Staff have been having ongoing conversations about how to use proper pronouns for nonbinary and gender nonconforming individuals, and are using Pride as an opportunity to be a leader in this community conversation. During this drop-in program, patrons were welcome to come color a button with a pronoun of their choosing and press it using a button machine. This event evolved from a suggestion a teen made last year, after saying he felt safe in the library because it was one of the few places people used his correct pronouns.
If you’re looking for more local Pride events at your library, Find a Library and ask if they have any special events.
Did you attend a great Pride event at your local library and want to share? Tag us on social media!
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