June; a month of Pride, not prejudice.
- Long Covid Kids
- Jun 8, 2023
- 4 min read
Updated: 5 days ago
Guest blog written by;
Sarah Barley-McMullen, Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist.
June marks LGBTQ+ Pride Month, an annual celebration that pays respect to the hard-fought rights of the LGBTQ+ community. Originating from the historic Stonewall riots in 1969, Pride events serve as a tribute to past struggles and create an ongoing platform for celebrating, advocating, and cultivating real inclusivity for the present and the future.
Pride events aim to co-create a society where people of all ages, ethnicities, abilities, health conditions, genders, sexualities, and identities feel safe, valued, and as though they belong in the world. They emphasise the importance of recognising the worth and visibility of everyone in society, while striving for equality in actions and words within all environments.
For LGBTQ+ children and young people, Pride Month and Pride events hold significant meaning as they provide safe spaces for self-exploration, acceptance, and celebration of identity and expression. These events also send a powerful message to families and communities, as they affirm that all sexual orientations, gender identities, and expressions are valid and deserving of respect. This validation is particularly crucial for LGBTQ+ children and young people living with Long COVID who may face additional challenges with their physical and mental health.
Pride Month and Pride events specifically validate and recognise the identities of LGBTQ+ children and young people, reminding them that they are not alone and that their experiences and feelings are valid and valuable. By promoting a supportive, unedited, and inclusive environment, Pride events empower individuals to embrace their authentic selves without shame or fear. This acknowledgement becomes even more vital for those facing the additional obstacles around identity presented by Long COVID as for some children and young people, there may be specific challenges related to their identity and how it intersects with their condition. These challenges can include feeling isolated, misunderstood, or invalidated due to the complex and often invisible nature of Long COVID symptoms. Pride events and the LGBTQ+ community offer a supportive environment where individuals can connect with others who may share similar experiences and understand the unique intersection of their LGBTQ+ identity and Long COVID.
Combining support for LGBTQ+ identities with acknowledgement of Long COVID, Pride events create an atmosphere where LGBTQ+ children and young people find validation, celebration, and a sense of belonging. This nurturing environment promotes self-acceptance, reduces isolation, and encourages individuals to live authentically, free from the need to hide who they are or pretend they are well.
An important aspect of Pride is its ability to increase visibility and representation of LGBTQ+ people in society. Seeing positive portrayals of people who share their identities has a powerful impact on LGBTQ+ children and young people, nurturing a sense of value and belonging in a world that can be challenging to navigate. Pride events achieve this by showcasing diverse role models, allies, and cultural leaders within the LGBTQ+ community. This visibility boosts confidence, self-esteem, and aspirations, affirming that everyone can achieve their aspirations while staying true to themselves.
We can all contribute to creating positive change as activists and agents of social change. By role modelling inclusive attitudes and challenging gender norms, family structures, and societal expectations, we can inspire others to stand against discrimination, even in small ways. For instance, using preferred pronouns at the end of our names sends a powerful message that gender identity should not be assumed. When we advocate for one another and work towards building a more inclusive and kind society, all children and young people can feel supported, understood, and hopeful for a future of positive change.
Pride offers joy in environments where everyone can celebrate their identities and accomplishments. But while Pride is a celebration – as with Long COVID, we must never forget the need to continue the fight for recognition, the battle to challenge discrimination and the onus on us all to ‘be the change’ - there is still so much still to do.
So, what can you do to ensure LGBTQ+ children and young people feel safe and valued enough to simply be themselves?
Be An Ally!
As allies, you can take various steps to support LGBTQ+ children and young people with or without Long COVID. Below are just some of things that you can do:
Educate yourselves about experiences, and issues surrounding both Long COVID and LGBTQ+ identities.
Create safe and inclusive environments where all children and young people feel valued and respected.
Listen attentively and validate children and young people’s feelings, experiences, and identities.
Advocate for children and young people’s rights and challenge discrimination or prejudice.
Seek guidance and resources from LGBTQ+ and Long COVID organisations and Charities.
Facilitate allyship opportunities and connect children and young people with supportive and inclusive networks.
Do not make assumptions about sexuality, gender identity, self-expression and health.
Advocate for inclusive and flexible education that includes positive representation of all children and young people in society.
Respect children and young people’s privacy and confidentiality, allowing them to disclose their identities on their own terms.
These actions will have a significant and positive impact on the wellbeing and experiences of LGBTQ+ children and young people living with Long COVID, as well as those living with and supporting them.
Remember that everyone’s experience of being LGBTQ+ and living with Long COVID may vary, so it's important to approach support with flexibility, sensitivity, and a willingness to learn. By being an ally and providing support you can help LGBTQ+ children and young people with Long COVID navigate their challenges, enhance their wellbeing, and celebrate who they know they really are with Pride not Prejudice.
This is a collaboration piece between LCK and Long COVID SOS.
With thanks to Sarah Barley-McMullen,
Diversity, Inclusion & Belonging Specialist.
Associate - National Youth Agency. National LGBTQIA+ NHS Sounding Board Member. Chair of Pride in Belper . National Diversity Awards Finalist, 2021. Stonewall Role Model of the Year, 2019.
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