Pride Month: Why it matters to you

June is Pride Month – a time to celebrate people of all identities and all types of families. You might see rainbow flags, parades, or people sharing stories online. But Pride isn’t just about colourful celebrations, it’s also about being proud of who you are and standing up for others.

Families come in all shapes and sizes

Not all families look the same, and that’s something to celebrate. Some people have two mums, two dads, one parent, foster carers, or grandparents raising them. Some families are LGBTQ+, and some aren’t. But what makes a family isn’t who’s in it, it’s how they love and support each other.

What if you’re exploring who you are?

Pride is also about feeling safe and accepted, especially if you’re still figuring things out. If you’re LGBTQ+ or questioning your identity, it’s okay to take your time. What matters most is knowing you’re not alone, and there’s nothing wrong with being different. You deserve to feel proud of who you are – whoever that turns out to be.

Why pride is for everyone

Even if you’re not part of the LGBTQ+ community, you can still be an ally, someone who listens, respects, and supports others. We all have the power to speak up against unkindness, include everyone, and make school a place where people feel safe being themselves.

Want to learn more or get support?

Here are some great resources if you want to understand more or explore:

Stonewall – Support and info about identity and equality.
https://www.stonewall.org.uk

Pop’n’Olly – Fun videos and books about LGBTQ+ topics for young people.
https://www.popnolly.com

BookTrust: Diverse Families – Stories about different kinds of families.
https://www.booktrust.org.uk/booklists/d/diverse-families/

Talk to someone you trust – like a teacher, mentor, or parent.

Final thought

Pride Month reminds us that everyone deserves respect. Whoever you are, whoever your family is, and wherever you are on your journey – you matter.

Be kind. Be proud. Be you. 🌈