ICYMI…yesterday marked the 7 year anniversary of the devastating Pulse nightclub shooting, a moment that rocked the LGBTQIA+ community and beyond. And while there’s been a huge surge of allyship over the past few years, there’s still so much work to be done.

Over the last few weeks alone, the news has been a dumpster fire of transphobic and homophobic policies from drag bans to book bans just to name a few. Here’s a recap of what’s been happening: 45 states have proposed anti-trans bills in 2023, and the ACLU is tracking 491 anti-LGBTQ bills in the U.S. Politicians are also fighting to restrict how and when LGBTQIA+ people can be themselves, limiting access to books about them and trying to ban or censor performances like drag shows. It’s that serious, ya’ll.

These stats will only make us shout our advocacy even louder. Not sure how you can get started? Check out this list of some of the best ways to be a better ally:

• Being an active listener
• Challenging biases
• Using inclusive language
• Creating safe spaces
• Supporting LGBTQIA+ organizations
• Amplifying LGBTQIA+ voices and stories 

DoSomething members are always finding better ways to be an ally, and even put together this crowdsourced resource guide for you. The time is now to go full-speed ahead into allyship. With so many negative stories swirling about LGBTQIA+ news, let’s make headlines this month by showing how we can transform Pride into advocacy!

Let’s Do This!

DoSomething

It’s time to take BOLD action to protect trans youth and the LGBTQIA+ community at large. That’s why we’re getting Louder Than Ever this Pride Month, and our members are shouting their support from the rooftops:

DoSomething member Dina C., 21 said,“Be an ally! Show your support for the LGBTQIA+ community by standing up for its members and by providing a safe space within yourself for anyone to come to if they need it; be a beacon of hope. And, if you hear a peer or even a stranger speaking negatively about the LGBTQIA+ community, speak up and do not be afraid to defend them publicly.”

This just in… J. Harrison Ghee and Alex Newell just made THEIR-story as the first nonbinary acting winners at the Tony Awards!

She slayed the day… In light of the recent release of The Little Mermaid, fans launched a campaign called Protect the Water, Protect the Mermaids, to defend the planet and trans youth. Greatest duo of all time? We think so!

Our hero… Greta Thunberg just staged her last school strike for the climate as a high school student because she just graduated! That doesn’t mean she’s stopping, though, and she says the fight for a greener future has only just begun.

ICYMI… 16 young people in Montana are suing the state over climate change, which is the first lawsuit of its kind. They’re claiming that legislators are putting the interests of fossil fuel companies over a better climate future. 

FastWeb

Scholarships & Internships for LGBTQIA+ Students and Allies!

CollegeXpress

We ❤️ summer! From thrilling outdoor adventures, beach bonfires, and afternoons by the pool, summer is the *chef’s kiss* best season. But just because school’s out for summer, doesn’t mean we stop thinking about scholarships! Our friends at CollegeXpress are giving YOU the opportunity to earn a $1,000 scholarship, and all you have to do is answer one question!. Complete a free profile on CollegeXpress and share your response to the following: What are you most excited to do this summer? 

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