Pivoting During Pride Month

As many states are beginning to reopen after weeks and months of stay-at-home advisories  due to the coronavirus, many events that were scheduled to take place during the summer and upcoming fall were and remain canceled as of today. Among these events is the LGBTQ Pride Month parade that was planned for June of this year. 
Pride Month, which usually sees several planned parades, marches, and festivals all around the globe provides a safe space for thousands of individuals within the LGBTQ community and their allies to embrace and celebrate different identities. The Coronavirus has shifted many of our lives in the past few months, more than we could ever anticipate. While we cannot celebrate Pride Month in the way we usually would, we want all LGBTQ+ individuals to know that we are with you not only this month but every month throughout the year. As many groups around the country are now targeted more than ever before, it is more important than ever to stand proudly together and to support and uplift each other. 

While Pride Month usually consists of planned in-person gatherings and events, this year we will see a shift with organized virtual Pride events offering a new way to celebrate the LGBTQ+ community. Thanks to many brilliant and visionary minds the LGBTQ+ community will be able to connect to celebrate their resilience, diversity, and history. 

Boston Pride has organized a series of virtual events for the month of June to commemorate 50 years of Pride in Boston, support the LGBTQ community, and to celebrate LGBTQ culture. Events range from panel discussions, to cooking classes, to dance lessons. Key events for Boston Pride include: 

• June 5, Raising of the rainbow Pride flag on City Hall Plaza, 12pm
• June 5, Author Talk with the Boston Public Library: Eric Cervini of “The Deviant’s War: The Homosexual vs. the United States of America”
• June 7, Forum:  The Rich History of LGBTQ Bars in Boston
• June 8, Panel:  LGBTQ Veterans Tell Their Stories
• June 9, Pride Lights – commemorates those affected by the HIV/AIDS pandemic
• June 13, Pride Festival and Concert 
• June 25TH - 28TH- Virtual CINCY BLACK PRIDE 

​Cincinnati's Black Pride celebration has announced a diverse slate of online events, including the third year of the Black Alphabet Film Festival. This features work by and documenting the diversity of the Black LGBTQ+ experience, taking place on June 25. The Vizazi Torch Awards, which honor Cincinnati residents working to improve the lives of queer and trans Black people in the city, will be held digitally on June 26. There will also be virtual parties all weekend long, with DJs spinning everything from underground house to '60s classics and African dance music. For more information, please contact Tim West at (513) 818-9596 or via email at [email protected]

Happy Pride!  

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About the Author:
Oumaima Mansouri is a Licensed Certified Social Worker who has experience working with children, adolescents, and families who are working through trauma, adoption, neurodevelopmental disorders, mental health, as well as varying issues. Oumaima is a solution-focused clinician who challenges her clients to work toward healing and self-sufficiency while emphasizing their personal strengths and milestones.

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About SSCFC:
South Shore Child and Family Counseling is a private group psychotherapy practice consisting of a team of experienced clinicians. We are committed to the physical, mental, and social well-being of the residents of Braintree and  the surrounding area. Our team of talented and compassionate clinicians will work with you to help you overcome life’s most challenging situations and celebrate your accomplishments.