June is globally recognized as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month, dedicated to celebrating lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer culture. While Pride Month started to recognize the protests, parades, and other events that catalyzed the modern gay liberation movement, it has evolved into a month of celebrations.
For LCCS LGBTQIA+ Committee Chair Samantha Borkowski, Pride Month is a time to recognize and celebrate LGBTQIA+ individuals while also acknowledging the challenges many continue to face.
“In child welfare, it reminds us that every young person deserves to feel safe, respected, valued, and supported for who they are,” said Samantha. “For the youth we serve, Pride Month is an opportunity to reinforce that they belong and there are caring adults who accept and support them without judgment.”
For staff, Samantha sees Pride Month as an opportunity to continue learning and growing professionally.
“As social workers, advocates and caseworkers, we often work with youth and families from many different backgrounds and experiences,” she noted. “Ongoing education, training or even brainstorming meetings can help staff better understand the unique needs and challenges LGBTQIA+ youth may face, allowing us to provide appropriate support, make informed decisions, and ensure all youth feel respected and heard throughout their involvement with our agency.”
Samantha believes staff should feel encouraged to participate in the diversity meetings so the agency can tackle real-life challenges as they arise.
While Pride Month is celebrated in June, Toledo Pride is Northwest Ohio’s largest event for the LGBTQIA+ community, friends, families, and allies. This year’s festivities will be held August 14-16. Events include a family-friendly Nite Glo 5K and one-mile fun run, then the official Pride Kick-Off Party at Promenade Park Friday, followed by a parade and festival Saturday, and a bar crawl Sunday. More information can be found at https://toledopride.com.
Samantha points out the diversity of the crowds who attend Toledo Pride events—not just from the LGBTQIA+ community. Supporters, advocates, and allies also include all ages, races, and in many cases, entire families.
“I believe Pride Month highlights the importance of inclusion, understanding, and creating environments where both youth and staff feel supported,” she said.