Celebrating Pride Month with Friends of the Children

Put Children First—it’s our north star at Friends of the Children. That is just one of the reasons we take time to celebrate Pride Month each June—it is an opportunity to support all LGBTQIAP2S+ youth, staff, and allies, regardless of how they identify. Each youth in our program is unique, and we strive to ensure they feel supported and loved.

Feeling that you belong can make all the difference, especially for youth facing challenges. One of our organization’s core assets, belonging means that youth know who they are, have a place where they feel accepted, and know their contributions count. Throughout the year, and as we celebrate Pride Month, we work to cultivate belonging, and we are proud of our LGBTQIAP2S+ community and the difference they make for youth and for our organization.

Pride Month has a history founded on the grit and perseverance of marginalized people who faced great obstacles including violence, racism, homophobia, and transphobia. Disparate groups within the LGBTQIAP2S+ community pulled together with each other and allies so that they could feel belonging in their own communities.

Friends of the Children works for all children and caregivers to feel that they belong. This June, and every day and month of the year, we continue to put children first in communities across the country—rural and Indigenous, suburban and urban. That means honoring who they are, and understanding every child is unique, and deserves to feel love and support.