Editor's note: This is the first in our Queer Love Letters series, where we asked our community to help in spreading joy this Pride season. Learn how to share a love letter here!
Dear LGBTQ+ youth of Eastern Washington & North Idaho,
Happy Pride Month! I'm Chandler (they/them), a local trans community member. I just wanted to drop a line and share a few things that you should know as we celebrate our community together this month.
First; I bet you're seeing a lot of anti-LGBTQ+ hatred in the news lately, and maybe it's making you feel like you should be quiet, or smaller, or less proud of who you are. That isn't true. It's completely valid to feel sad or angry when you see this kind of messaging (I do too!), but the truth of the matter is that you are WONDERFUL. You deserve to be proud of every part of who you are, and to show up in every space as your delightful self.
Second; You will find your place. You will find your people. You will find yourself, all of the colorful parts of you that deserve to be recognized and honored. It may take time, and life may not always be a bucket of rainbows, but take it from someone who has been where you are —it does get better. And, remember; if you need support, it's available. You can contact the Trevor Project anytime by texting START to 678-678. THRIVE Lifeline is available by texting THRIVE to (313) 662-8209. There's Odyssey Youth Movement here in Spokane, Helen House in Ellensburg, the North Idaho Pride Alliance in Coeur D'Alene and countless other organizations & individuals who are here to help you survive and thrive.
Third; There are so many people who care about you. I want you to take a second and think about the people in your life who care about you. If you can't think of anyone, then think of me, because I care about you. My friends care about you. My family cares about you. You are my relative, my sibling, and even when you think you're completely alone, there's an entire community all around you who love and respect you for who you are, and are here to affirm and support you whenever you need it.
The most important thing of all; have FUN! Find time to celebrate and embrace the joy this Pride Month. There are a ton of amazing events all across the Inland Northwest (special shoutout to the Spokane Public Library's Family Pride Event on June 9th, definitely check that one out!). You can view a full calendar of all the events this month at spokanepride.org/pridecalendar. Don't let ignorance and hatred stop you from celebrating with your community!
I wish you all the best this month and every month, and remember; your community loves you and has your back. Happy Pride!
