During the month of June, the Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender and Queer (LGBTQ+) community members and their allies celebrate Pride Month. The LGBTQ+ community and their supporters reflect on the 1969 Stonewall Uprising. On June 28, 1969, New York City police raided the Stonewall Inn, a gay club. Angered by police harassment and social discrimination, there were riots outside of Stonewall Inn. The Stonewall Riots lasted six days and mobilized the LGBTQ+ civil rights movement of the 1960s. June commemorates those who identify as LGBTQ and calls for greater unity, visibility, and equality for the LGBTQ+ community. Pride Month offers an opportunity to think about the advances made for this marginalized group and the work that still needs to be done. This is a time to educate people on the discrimination and harassment this group still faces. LGBTQIA+ rights are not special rights.

All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. - Article I; The Universal Declaration of Human Rights.

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin supports the following bills:

Senate Bill 907 

• Relating to: adopting gender-neutral terminology and incorporating gender-neutral marriage and parentage rights.
• The League of Women Voters holds a national position of "equality of opportunity" that includes the equalization of rights of same-sex couples to those of heterosexual couples.

Assembly Bill 501/Senate Bill 474 

• Relating to: discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, education, insurance coverage, national guard, jury duty, and adoption and in the receipt of mental health or vocational rehabilitation services.
• The League of Women Voters national and Wisconsin state positions support equality for all. 

Senate Joint Resolution 501

• Relating to: recognizing June as LGBTQ Pride Month

The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin opposes the following bills:

Assembly Bill 377/Senate Bill 378

• Relating to: designating athletic sports and teams operated or sponsored by public schools or private schools participating in a parental choice program based on the sex of the participants.
• The League of Women Voters holds a national position of equal rights for all and opposes laws that have the effect of discriminating on the basis of sex. The League of Women Voters Wisconsin holds a position of equal rights for all and equal educational opportunity for all elementary, secondary, and post-secondary students.

Senate Bill 489/Assembly Bill 510

• Relating to: rights reserved to a parent or guardian of a child
• This bill grants parents the right to exempt their children from lessons on gender identity, sexual orientation, and racial issues.
• The League of Women Voters of Wisconsin holds a position of educational equity and access to educational opportunities for each child through non-discriminatory policies.

What can I do to support the LGBTQ+ Community?

• Support the Equality Act
• Vote in the following: gubernatorial elections, mayoral elections, school board elections, congressional elections, and presidential elections
• Spread awareness about current issues the LGBTQ+ community face, including proposed legislation
• Call your representatives to oppose anti-LGBTQ legislation or support legislation that will further LGBTQ rights
• Educate yourself!
• Share resources!

1. The Trevor Project
2. Human Rights Campaign
3. PFLAG 
4. GLSEN - (Gay, Lesbian and Straight Education Network)
5. Suicide Hotline - text or call 988
6. Planned Parenthood 
7. O Chat Space - Live chat, facilitated, LGBTQ+ online discussion groups

• Use the correct pronouns
• Keep an open line of communication 
• Support queer owned businesses
• Make mindful consumer choices

These are just some of the ways in which you can show your support and be an ally.