Dear MSM Community:
June marks the beginning of Pride Month, a time dedicated to celebrating the LGBTQ+ community 和 the federal holiday of 六月节. These important celebrations serve as powerful reminders of the ongoing struggle for equality 和 justice, honoring marginalized communities’ diverse identities, 经历, 和历史, 和 highlighting the need for 继续d activism 和 celebration of progress.
Pride Month reminds us of our progress toward LGBTQ+ equality. 然而, it is essential to recognize that there are still significant barriers 和 systemic inequalities that persist. In recent years, there has been a concerning surge in anti-LGBTQ+ legislation in various parts of the country. These laws target the rights 和 protections of LGBTQ+ individuals, seeking to undermine their rights to equal treatment, access to healthcare, 和 legal recognition. Under legislative cover, 然后, we see discrimination, 偏见, 和 stigmatization perpetuated, all of which creates additional challenges 和 emotional distress for those affected.
六月节, also known as Freedom Day, commemorates the emancipation of enslaved African Americans in the United States. It originated on June 19, 1865, when Union General Gordon Granger arrived in Galveston, 德州, to announce the end of slavery, two-和-a-half years after the Emancipation Proclamation. The recognition of 六月节 as a federal holiday in 2021 was an essential step towards acknowledging our shared national history, celebrating the freedom of African Americans, 和 promoting unity 和 reconciliation. It recognizes the horrific 和 painful legacy of slavery, serving as a reminder that true freedom 和 equality are fundamental to our nation’s ideals, 和 it represents a collective commitment to overcoming the dark chapters of our history 和 working towards a more equitable 和 just society for all.
At Sunday’s Tony Awards, I couldn’t help but think about how both June celebrations were recognized onstage. We saw victories for Black 和 non-binary actors (J. Harrison Ghee 和 Alex Newell) highlighting the growing recognition 和 appreciation for the diverse voices 和 经历 within the arts community. These wins mark a turning point, with a more diverse range of individuals achieving broad visibility 和 recognition, 和 being celebrated on Broadway’s biggest night of the year.
To all our Community, I send best wishes for wonderful 六月节 和 Pride celebrations!
真诚地,
MSM President James G和re
