HEY APW,
It’s officially Pride Month!! ??? Pride is by far one of my most favorite times of the year. And though yes the parties are great, more importantly, I always consider Pride to be a time for reflection. This year marks forty-eight years since the Stonewall Riots, considered to be one of the most pivotal moments in LGBTQ history in our country. These riots spearheaded a shift toward acceptance and understanding for our community, and two major gay activist organizations were formed to continue these efforts. A year later the first Pride parade in U.S. history was held in New York City. The fearlessness and strength of those activists, both gay and allies, have paved the way for all of us.
I constantly remind myself how fortunate my wife and I are to live where we do, in a supportive, accepting community. I don’t ever take for granted that I can walk down the middle of Market Street in San Francisco, proudly holding her hand, waving our rainbow flags every June. And I constantly think back to those who fought for the rights I can enjoy now.
In our current political climate it’s easy to feel like we’ve made little progress. But if we continue to be visible, we cannot be stamped out. Visibility matters and it matters for everyone. If you’re an ally, you can show your support through volunteer work, donations, and speaking out and teaching others. If you’re in the community and live in a supportive space, reach out to those who need our love and voices. If you are reading this, and you feel alone, just know you aren’t. Pride Month feels like a beacon of hope for all of us. It is a reminder that LOVE IS LOVE. And we can all do our part to keep that love shining bright.
Allies can be individuals or even big businesses; and as we’ve seen in recent months, when corporations take a stand in support of equal rights, it makes a huge difference in communities across the country. That’s why I’m so excited to announce that we are partnering with Crate and Barrel again this year for Pride Month. Crate and Barrel strives to provide an amazing experience for all couples planning their new life together. Join us all month long for stories of love and lots of tips for creating a beautiful wedding and home, APW style! Be sure to check out Crate and Barrel’s Private Registry Events coming up June 11 and July 16 in cities across the country. (I’ll be at the Union Square event next weekend with some APW couples, so be sure to say hi if you’re there!!)
CHEERS to love of all kinds!
XO,
KATE
Link Round-up
The Identity Project IS BACK to celebrate Pride Month.
Sarah Deragon, queer femme photographer badass, has her work covering Smirnoff’s Love Wins bottles.
8 brands whose Pride-themed merch gives back to the LGBTQ community.
92 governors and mayors who are denouncing Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Climate Agreement.
Harvard is teaching a Game of Thrones class now.
The U.S. laws that allow underage girls to get married.
Performance of a lifetime: On invisible illness, gender, and disbelief.
Muslim groups raise nearly $500,000 for families of “Portland heroes.”
