Celebrating Pride Month

The 1st of June marks the beginning of Pride Month. While it's always enjoyable to partake in the celebration of what we’ve achieved, I would like to take this moment to also speak on an important issue I hold dear to myself; that being the activism this community has embraced throughout the years. As we unilaterally honor the courage, resilience, and bravery of the LGBTQ+ community, we must first recognize the profound and unwavering efforts of those who have always led the ongoing fight for liberation, the Black and Trans individuals who have put their lives on the line, who we owe so much to. The queer community was truly built by them.

We also pay tribute to the efforts of Lesbian community members in the Queer movement, particularly during the AIDS epidemic. Without the care, solidarity, and unwavering support demonstrated during this time, many of our community’s most vulnerable members would not see the bright future forming today. This group goes consistently unrecognized and underrepresented in our society, and in times of recognition like this, it's important to shine a light on their crucial contributions. 

In the fight for Queer rights, these voices and experiences are by far the most important and revolutionary in the pursuit of equality and justice. Their contributions, leadership, and bravery are a vital reminder of the importance of unity in the fight against discrimination. 

Finally, I’d also like to take this month to not only honor all the members of the Queer community that aren't with us today, but also recognize the people still not able to express their gender or sexuality freely. For them, and for us, pride month will always be a reminder of the challenges we continue to face. We stand in solidarity with you and affirm that we will always strive to make the New School and University Student Senate a welcoming place. 

Let us use this month as an opportunity to reaffirm these principles. To actively listen and amplify marginalized voices to strive for a brighter future. Without shame, nor regret, on behalf of myself, Vice Chair Yang, and the Institution we represent, I wish a happy Pride Month to all of you.

Sincerely,

Adam Young

Chair of the USS