Pride Month Doesn't End June 30th: Supporting the LGBTQIA+ Community Year-Round
Pride month doesn’t have to end on June 30th. With the 88th Texas Legislative Session and the US Supreme Court presenting relentless attacks on the LGBTQIA+ community, it is more important than ever that we as a community vocally support and stand with the LGBTQIA+ community year-round, not just during June. Whatever you were doing during Pride month to celebrate and uplift the queer community, carry that energy into the other 11 months of the year. Whether that be increasing books read by queer authors, buying from LGBTQIA+ owned businesses, or donating to local organizations that are actively fighting for LGBTQIA+ rights, there are a multitude of ways you can support the LGBTQIA+ community. For queer people, the need for love and support for their community is constant, not just limited to thirty days of the year.
At Girls Empowerment Network, Pride Month and always, we stand in unity with LGBTQIA+ youth and allies. Since our founding in 1996, we have recognized that the diversity of the people who make up our Network is one of the most beautiful things we can offer the community. Our hope is that all youth who come through our programs feel at home to be themselves and find relatable, positive role models who they can look to for inspiration and support, as they envision their futures and pursue their goals. We want you to know that Girls Empowerment Network continues to support and affirm LGBTQIA+ youth in Texas and beyond. We say this loud and clear; we stand with our community in solidarity not only this month but always and we will continue to empower our youth to be heard and seen in places of power!
We understand the importance of lifting voices and organizations that specialize and are experts on LGBTQIA+ youth and their needs. Although the Texas government is attacking LGBTQIA+ youth, there are plenty of incredible organizations that are fighting for these youth and celebrating queer joy throughout Texas. Here are some incredible LGBTQIA+ affirming organizations throughout Texas to check out and support year-round, not just during Pride Month!
Out Youth
Out Youth offers youth of all sexual orientations and gender identities a place where they are loved, acknowledged, and accepted for exactly who they are. The range of services that Out Youth offers is vast and the positive impact they make for the LGBTQIA+ community in Texas is immense. While Out Youth focuses mainly on services and programs for youth, they also have a variety of adult focused services.
Some of their programs include:
Transgender Wellness: A program of Out Youth that operates in partnership with the KIND Clinic to provide a full range of clinical and social support services to trans and non-binary adults.
Pre-Teen, Teen, and Young Adults Drop In: Drop-In is a place for you to build community with other LGBTQIA+ people your age. With both virtual and in-person options, there are a variety of fun events and activities for everyone!
Gender Identity Group: This group is for any trans, non-binary, questioning, or gender-diverse identified youth, ages 11 - 18, who physically resides in the state of Texas.
Upcoming Events to Check Out:
Pride Center San Antonio
Pride Center San Antonio was born with the purpose to promote the lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, questioning and ally community in Bexar County. They provide a variety of free services and targeted programs ensuring the San Antonio LGBTQ+ community have equal access to care, services, and a space where they can be themselves.
Some of their programs include:
Binders for Brothers SA: A community group that helps Transgender Men and Non-binary individuals in San Antonio and surrounding areas acquire chest binders.
Safe Zone Training: This training aims to increase the awareness, knowledge, and skills for individuals and address the challenges that exist when one wants to advocate for the LGBTQ+ people in their life.
Gender Affirmation Project: This project aims to assist people align the gender presented on their government identifications, driver’s licenses, and other documents with how they identify.
Peer Support Groups: Variety of groups to connect and build community including Bi+ Lunch Bunch, Trans Masc Folks y Más, Sober Over the Rainbow, and Trans Allies
The Montrose Center
The Montrose Center empowers their community in Houston—primarily LGBTQIA+ individuals and their families—to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. From behavioral health and support services to adult primary care and psychiatry to free wellness programs, the Montrose Center has a wide variety of resources to empower individuals to proactively participate in their own care.
Some of the programs and resources offered here include:
Seniors Preparing for Rainbow Years (SPRY): A vibrant and growing community of LGBTQIA+ older adults age 60+, with life-enhancing services to meet a variety of needs unique to our population.
Hatch Youth: Hatch Youth is Houston’s oldest, currently active social group dedicated to empowering LGBTQIA+ youth between the ages of 7 and 20. Hatch Youth groups provide a safe and affirming environment where youth can socialize, make new friends, and engage in educational and creative activities to help youth in and around Houston not just survive, but thrive.
Gender Affirming Services, Counseling, Case Management, Anti-Violence Program, Housing Assistance, and MANY more!
Upcoming Events to Check Out:
The Center is “home” to dozens of LGBTQ-affirming social and civic organizations, and offers affordable rental space for meetings and events, so there are a wide variety of events nightly! Check out their event calendar here!
Resource Center (Dallas)
Resource Center provides programs and assistance to LGBTQIA+ communities and anyone impacted by HIV/AIDS through advocacy, health, and education. Today, with over 38 years of experience, Resource Center operates one of the largest LGBTQIA+ community centers in the United States and is a primary HIV/AIDS service organization in North Texas.
Some of the programs and resources offered here include:
LGBTQIA+ Youth and Adult Programs: These groups cover a wide variety of age ranges and identities so there is a space for everyone to connect and build community. One of the notable youth programs is Youth First. Youth First is one of the only LGBTQIA+-focused programs in North Texas that addresses the challenges LGBTQIA+ teens face at home, school and in the community.
HIV/AIDS Services: The Harold Simmons Foundation Health Campus is the Center’s one-stop facility for services that help meet the needs of people living with HIV/AIDS. The health campus provides nutritious meals and food products distributed through a weekday hot meals program and food pantry. Case management works with clients to navigate the care and support systems available in North Texas.
Healthcare Services: The Center provides culturally-competent programs including HIV and STI prevention services, PrEP, and gender-affirming care. Comprehensive prevention services include outreach to at-risk communities
Upcoming Events to Check Out:
Austin Pride Reminder!
In case you missed it, we released Pride merch! We donated a percentage of the proceeds of our Pride Month merch sales to Austin and Houston LGBTQIA+ organizations, specifically Out Youth in Austin, Texas and the Montrose Center in Houston, Texas. While Pride Month is over, Austin celebrates fashionably late with their Pride Parade and Festival on August 12. Grab a shirt to wear to the Pride festivities and support some of these incredible organizations changing the lives of the LGBTQIA+ community in Texas!
About the Author
Whitney Hunter is a passionate advocate for empowerment and inclusivity. Holding a Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Public Relations with a French minor from Baylor University, she's equipped with a solid academic foundation that she brings to her role at Girls Empowerment Network. With a diverse professional background spanning industries like social media, public relations, and event design, Whitney's skills have grown across various domains. She's a true believer in the transformative power of self-belief, honed during her time at an all-girls high school. This experience fuels her dedication to empowering girls and supporting them in advocating for themselves. Beyond her professional endeavors, Whitney finds joy in attending concerts, immersing herself in books, and enjoying the serene waters of Barton Springs.