June is recognized as Pride Month in the United States and around the world. The observance is an opportunity to uplift the LGBTQIA+ community by shining a light on their voices and experiences, historical contributions, and ongoing efforts to end violence and discrimination.
One way that Notre Dame employees will observe the month is at the South Bend Pride Festival June 15 at Potawatomi Park. For the second year in a row, members of the Spectrum LGBTQ & Ally employee resource group will take part in the event, sharing Spectrum promotional products and showing support for the region’s LGBTQIA+ residents.
Spectrum is one of several opportunities for faculty, staff, students, and alumni to connect with people working to make Notre Dame a more welcoming environment for its LGBTQIA+ members. Other organizations and units include:
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PrismND, the University’s first and only official LGBTQ+ undergraduate student organization
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Campus Ministry’s LGBTQ Ministry
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ARC ND, an Alumni Association group dedicated to bringing together Notre Dame LGBTQ alumni and allies
“For generations, LGBTQI+ Americans have summoned the courage to live authentically and proudly—even when it meant putting their lives and livelihoods at risk,” U.S. President. Joseph R. Biden wrote in a proclamation. “LGBTQI+ people also continue to enrich every aspect of American life as educators, entertainers, entrepreneurs, athletes, actors, artists, scientists, scholars, diplomats, doctors, service members, veterans, and so much more.”
Learn more about LGBTQIA+ history and culture as well as what it means to be an ally with the following resources:
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Pride Month has started but what does that mean? A look at what it is, how it's celebrated (USA Today)
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Building a Bridge: How the Catholic Church and the LGBT Community Can Enter into a Relationship of Respect, Compassion, and Sensitivity by Rev. James Martin, SJ
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Building a Bridge, a film based on the book by Fr. Martin
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Reading the rainbow: The origins of the pride symbol (National Museum of American History)
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A curated list of documentaries on PBS, including Stonewall Uprising
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8 books about Pride Month and the history of the gay rights movement (Candid)
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Guide to Being a Straight Ally (PFLAG)
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Being an LGBTQ+ Ally (Human Rights Campaign)