The Center for Nonprofit Advancement celebrates and supports the LGBTQIA+ community during Pride Month, 2023. Pride is a time to honor the progress made by the LGBTQIA+ community and set our sights on the future. This year’s theme, “Looking Back and Moving Forward,” encourages us to reflect on the struggles and triumphs that have shaped the journey towards equality.
In the spirit of celebration and reflection, we are inspired by the enduring legacies of James Baldwin, Billie Jean King, and RuPaul, whose contributions have left an indelible mark on the LGBTQ+ movement. James Baldwin fearlessly explored the intersections of race, sexuality, and identity, challenging societal norms through his acclaimed writing and powerful speeches. Billie Jean King, a tennis champion, tirelessly fought for LGBTQ+ equality, breaking barriers and inspiring future generations of athletes. The impact of their visibility and representation cannot be overstated. RuPaul, a drag superstar, brought drag into the mainstream with “RuPaul’s Drag Race,” providing a platform for artists to express their creativity and resilience, fostering a sense of belonging within the LGBTQIA+ community.
This year, June is filled with events, parades and opportunities to celebrate, offer support and educate ourselves on figures and efforts that will shape future pursuits for equality. The Center encourages its members to celebrate at the Capital Pride Parade, show support for locally-founded Black queer publications and learn from LGBTQIA+ stories.
Each year, Pride empowers us to challenge the efforts of those who seek to marginalize and erase vulnerable communities. It serves as a reminder that our ultimate goal is for LGBTQIA+ individuals to exist and thrive with the same opportunities and privileges enjoyed by the most privileged and least persecuted groups in society. Achieving this equality will signify true progress. Throughout this June, let us remember all those who did not get the opportunity to live and enjoy life as their most authentic selves, and move forward in our fight to ensure every one of us has this right.