Communities are strongest when all members have the chance to succeed - and the Y exists to strengthen communities. It is a core part of our mission to be a welcoming place where all members of the community have the opportunity to belong, grow and thrive.

During the month of June, we invite you to pause and reflect alongside our neighbors who are part of the LGBTQIA+ community. While progress has been made to ensure that all humans have equitable rights, there is still much work to be done.

To show our support, Team YGBW recently participated in Chester County's annual pride celebration in Phoenixville. This is in addition to the work we do on a daily basis to ensure that members of the community feel welcomed, safe and included in our facilities year-round.

If you are looking to learn more about how you can support your neighbors, a good first step is to learn more about the history of Pride and why we celebrate.

Pride Month is celebrated each year in the month of June to honor the 1969 Stonewall riots in Manhattan. The riots started after members of the LGBTQIA+ community advocated for their personal freedoms - and stood up to harassment. Today, Pride events are held in cities and towns across the country to celebrate progress that has been made to protect personal freedoms and civil rights while acknowledging the steps that we must make to have all LGBTQIA+ persons achieve full equality.

At the Y, Pride Month is an opportunity to live up to our mission of providing a safe, welcoming community for all. We are proud to welcome all through our doors as members, volunteers and leaders in our organization.