During the month of June, we celebrate Pride Month, and all year round we stand in solidarity with our youth and staff of all sexualities and gender identities. We honor the individuals throughout The Clubhouse Network—members, mentors, staff, and others—who are part of the greater LGBTQIA+ community and contribute to our Clubhouses. We see you, and we would not be who we are without you.
Creating a space that is safe and welcoming to LGBTQIA+ youth is paramount. Many LGBTQIA+ youth may not be welcome at home or at school and may be subject to bullying and discrimination in those places. They must know that they can bring their true, whole self to The Clubhouse. Around the world, there are still many places where LGBTQIA+ identities are criminalized; in the United States and around the world, LGBTQIA+ people are subject to legal discrimination and are unprotected from hate crimes. Particularly now in the United States, there is an assault on the welfare and well-being of LGBTQIA+ youth as malicious legislation is passed in several states.
We look forward to the day when LGBTQIA+ youth—alongside youth of any marginalized identity—can live their lives honestly, publicly, and free from fear of violence or discrimination. We are grateful to those who have done the work to bring society to where it is today so that we may do this important work.
This is just a snapshot of how Pride was celebrated across The Network!
Youth at The Best Buy Teen Tech Center @ New Orleans Public Library, New Orleans, LA, USA express themselves through visual arts! Staff at the New Orleans Public Library say, “We welcome all LGBTQIA+ youth, not just because they deserve a safe space to be, but because they make every space better being in it.”
The Elite Dance team from The Clubhouse @ Movement City Youth Network, Lawrence, MA, USA performed at a youth pride festival in Boston!
Youth at The Foróige Clubhouse, Dublin, Ireland march in their local Pride parade!
