June’s Diversity Month
June honors LGBTQ+ Awareness, Caribbean American Heritage Month, and
Portuguese Heritage Month!
It is important to remember all cultures no matter the time of the year, but this month is dedicated to the focus on these three groups to bringing awareness to their key issues and celebration of the greatness in their cultures.
Portuguese Heritage Month!
The Portuguese-American Leadership Council of the United States (PALCUS) has officially announced that June has been recognized as Portuguese Heritage Month. This monumental recognition highlights the significant rich cultural history behind Portuguese-Americans and the vast contributions they have made to the country. The designation of June as Portuguese Heritage Month is a celebration of the vibrant culture, traditions, and history of Portugal and its diaspora.
Did you know? Approximately 467,000 residents of Massachusetts, Connecticut, and Rhode Island identify as Portuguese. The largest portion of the community resides in Southeastern Massachusetts, including in Fall River and New Bedford. The reason the numbers are so high along the coast is that many Portuguese-Americans immigrated during the commercial whaling era.
There are so many ways to celebrate Portuguese culture. You can start by discovering Portuguese food by dining out or trying your hand at a traditional Portuguese recipe. Plan a visit to any Portuguese community to get first-hand experience with the hospitality and generosity Portuguese people share. In fact, try to attend a festival or event that features music, dance, food, and art to enhance your experience.
Caribbean American Heritage Month!
Caribbean-American Heritage Month celebrates the rich cultural contributions and achievements of Caribbean Americans to American society. This observance recognizes the diverse Caribbean cultures, traditions, music, literature, cuisine, and history that have significantly influenced the fabric of the United States. Throughout the month, various events, festivals, educational programs, and exhibitions showcase the Caribbean-American community’s impact and highlight their ongoing contributions to arts, business, politics, and many other fields. It’s a time to honor the Caribbean heritage and the vital role it plays in shaping the cultural mosaic of America.
June is LGBTQ+ Pride Month!
Pride Month, celebrated in June each year, is a vibrant and important period for the LGBTQ+ community and its allies. This month-long celebration recognizes the impact and contributions of lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer individuals throughout history. It commemorates the Stonewall Riots of 1969 in New York City, a pivotal event that marked the beginning of the modern fight for LGBTQ+ rights. It’s a time of both jubilation and reflection, promoting the acceptance of sexual diversity and raising awareness of issues still faced by the LGBTQ+ community. The rainbow flag, a symbol of LGBTQ+ pride and diversity, is prominently displayed during this month, representing the spectrum of human sexuality and gender. Pride Month is not just a celebration but also a powerful statement about love, acceptance, and the ongoing fight for equal rights.
GSA Spotlight June 4 – June 7
June 4. Today’s GSA spotlight is Freddie Mercury!
Freddie Mercury, born Farrokh Bulsara on September 5, 1946, was a British singer and songwriter, best known as the flamboyant lead vocalist of Queen. Beyond his powerful voice and dynamic stage presence, Mercury was a significant figure in the LGBTQ+ community. As one of the most high-profile bisexual musicians of his time, he challenged stereotypes and brought visibility to LGBTQ+ issues. His openness about his sexuality, especially later in his career, made him an iconic figure for LGBTQ+ representation in music. Mercury’s life was cut short by AIDS-related complications on November 24, 1991, but his legacy continues to inspire the LGBTQ+ community.
June 5. Today’s GSA spotlight is Lady Gaga!
Lady Gaga, born Stefani Joanne Angelina Germanotta, is a key advocate for the LGBTQ+ community. Her anthem “Born This Way” and other songs promote pride and acceptance. She has actively campaigned for LGBTQ+ rights, including marriage equality and the repeal of “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell.” Through the Born This Way Foundation, she empowers youth and supports mental health, especially for LGBTQ+ individuals. Her bold self-expression and visibility inspire many to embrace their true selves and bring LGBTQ+ issues into the mainstream.
June 6. Today’s GSA spotlight is Bayard Rustin!
Bayard Rustin was a Civil Rights organizer and activist, best known for his work as adviser to Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. and the primary organizer of the March on Washington in 1963. Throughout his life, Rustin was engaged in several pacifist groups and early civil rights protests, with a particular passion for non-violent resistance. Due to his high-level status as an organizing figure, he was arrested several times for civil disobedience, as well as for being a gay man. Despite this, he never stopped fighting for equality for Black and LGBTQ+ people. He also sought to bring both the worlds of queer resistance and racial justice together, being the first person to bring the AIDS crisis to the attention of the NAACP in 1987.
June 7. Today’s GSA spotlight is Andrea Jenkins!
Andrea Jenkins is an American policy aide, politician, writer, performance artist, poet, and transgender activist. In 2017, she became the first Black, openly transgender woman elected to public office in the United States, and started serving on the Minneapolis City Council in early 2018. In her community, she is particularly known for addressing youth violence and working with community members to provide resources to small business owners, artists, and community advocates.
You can support the LGBTQ community by going to the AHA Pride in downtown New Bedford on June 13th!