Most students at CHS are aware that Pride month is celebrated in June, but lots of students may not know about the meaning and purpose of Pride month. Pride month holds huge significance in the US for the LGBTQIA+ community as well as the US as a whole. Pride month has a huge variety of celebrations including but not limited to parades, concerts, picnics, and fundraisers. Many Pride events are held in Portland, Oregon that could be attended by anybody who is interested. Here at CHS we have our own Pride celebrations to show our respect to the LGBTQIA+ community.

Pride month differs greatly from its origin. On June 28th, 1969 a series of riots lasting several days began in Manhattan, New York as a protest for LGBTQIA+ rights. These riots are usually referred to as “Stonewall” or the “Stonewall Riots”. Stonewall served as a foundation for LGBTQIA+ rights in the US inspiring lots of similar protests in other states besides New York the following year (1970). In years since laws were passed in the US to protect the rights of LGBTQIA+ individuals. Although, the fight is far from over with lots of debates stirring in the US over LGBTQIA+ rights. Overall, the importance of pride month lies in honoring those who fought for LGBTQIA+ rights in the past and continuing their legacies.

At CHS we celebrate pride month in many different ways. We have an upcoming Pride spirit week starting on June 9th full of fun themes to show our CHS pride! The themes for this spirit week are: June 9th: Flag day(bring a flag that represents you), June 12th: Love is respect day(wear or draw hearts), June 13th: Formal wear day(wear what makes you feel stunning), June 14th: Pulse nightclub remembrance day(wear neon and glow sticks to honor lives lost), June 15th: Rainbow day(wear any color of the rainbow). Many students have chosen to celebrate pride in their own ways by wearing elaborate Pride themed outfits or participating in local pride events. In short, there are lots of options for any willing CHS students to celebrate their pride in their own unique and valid ways.

Pride month is both a remnant of protests for LGBTQIA+ rights and a way for people to express their pride in their self identity. No matter what Pride means to you it is your right to participate. CHS stands with members of the LGBTQIA+ community and students rights to self expression. So, pride celebrations are welcome and encouraged at CHS. Remember to honor those who allowed for the existence and acceptance of Pride month!