Today, June 28th, 2019, marks the 50th anniversary of the Stonewall Inn Riots of 1969, an intersectional uprising of diverse queer and transgender people against state suppression. June has been celebrated as LGBTQIA+ Pride Month ever since.
The Providence Human Relations Commission takes this moment to honor and celebrate the diversity, beauty and resilience of the LGBTQIA+ community in Providence, as well as the work of advocates that continue to push local institutions in centering protections for individuals of all gender identities and sexual orientations.
While June is a month of celebration, it is also a reminder of the work that remains in addressing structural and interpersonal violence facing the LGBTQIA+ community, which disproportionately affects queer and transgender youth, women, and people of color.
Earlier this month, Bishop Tobin made a series of chilling remarks, stating that Catholics should not support Pride Month and that the LGBTQIA+ community is “especially harmful to children.” The PHRC stands alongside Rhode Island Pride, Youth Pride, Mayor Elorza, Governor Raimondo, and countless other leaders in denouncing these comments, and continues its commitment to protecting and expanding the rights of the LGBTQIA+ community.
The PHRC recently joined Millennial Rhode Island, Rhode Island Pride, the LGBT Protection Project, Southcoast Fair Housing, and Project Fearless to host an educational workshop shedding light on protections available to LGBQTIA+ individuals in the workplace. The Commission has also partnered with TGI Network of Rhode Island to host a series of trainings on gender diversity for the City Judiciary, Solicitor’s Office and department directors in the coming months.
In line with Mayor Elorza’s vision of justice, equity and respect for the dignity of all people, the Commission affirms that LGBTQIA+ rights are human rights, and is committed to celebrating, defending and empowering Providence’s LGBTQIA+ community.
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The City of Providence is committed to being an inclusive, sustainable municipality, where members of the LGBTQIA+ community’s rights are fully realized. If you have any questions or concerns regarding this work, please reach out to the Providence LGBTQIA+ Liaison & Director of the Mayor’s Center for City Services Joe Lazzerini at or 401-680-5751 or jlazzerini@providenceri.gov or Providence Human Relations Commission Director & Interim ADA Coordinator Sol Taubin at 401-680-5700 or staubin@providenceri.gov.