06/15/2026
Thoughts on Pride Month from our Associate Director of Program Performance, Carly B.:
“Being q***r is as natural to me as breathing. It’s not something I have to “try” at, despite what some may believe. What does take effort is standing up for the right to be treated with dignity—to be seen, respected, and valued as fully human. It’s holding onto the hope that one day our community will no longer have to fight for the right to exist authentically, both in our daily lives and in the face of policies that can threaten our ability to participate fully and equally in society.
For me, Pride Month is both a time of reflection and celebration. It carries a sense of grief—for those who did not make it, for those who continue to face persecution, and for those who carry the weight of deep and lasting scars. At the same time, it is a celebration of resilience: of the stories we tell, the barriers we break, and the courage it takes to live openly and authentically in a world that doesn’t always make space for that truth.
Working at The Partnership reinforces what Pride represents at its best. It’s a place that recognizes the strength found in diversity and the power of our individual lived experiences. Our differences are not just acknowledged—they are valued as essential to who we are and how we serve our community.
This Pride Month, and every month, I’m grateful to be part of a space that encourages authenticity and belonging. Everyone deserves the opportunity to be fully and unapologetically themselves! Happy Pride.” 🌈
