Pride is celebrated during the month of June to honor the Stonewall Uprising in 1969, which was a pivotal moment in LGBTQ liberation. This is a time of celebration with parades and concerts to show support for the community. It is also a time to educate and promote acceptance of people for just being themselves. This roundup celebrates Pride by featuring songs and books for kids to explore. It also serves as a support system, providing resources to encourage LGBTQ youth and inform their allies.
It’s OK to Be Me (A Mi Me Gusta Ser Yo)
Peruvian American Musician Twinkle is back with her 4th single that promotes inclusivity during Pride Month. This song encourages kids to be confident in their individuality. Twinkle is the “Lady Gaga for kids” and wants everyone to know that they are perfect the way they are. This single drops on June 25th and will be available to stream on all platforms. Available to listen to in English or Spanish.
Getting Back Up: A Story of Resilience, Self-Acceptance and Success
Named a “Must Read” by Entertainment Weekly, Harma Hartouni shares his coming-out story and hardships to show teens how they can learn to grow from their own life events. Now happily married with 3 beautiful children, Hartouni hopes to give back to the LGBTQ community by sharing tips for coming out and advice for parents on how they can support their kids. This book is truly inspirational and shows genuine resilience. $14.95, amazon.com
Pride on the Peninsula
Terranea Resort is a hidden gem in the Palos Verdes Peninsula. This month it is partnering with South Bay LGBTQ Center to celebrate the LGBTQ community. Terranea invites everyone to partake in this joyfulness with a special two-night stay offer. It includes a $100 resort credit and free daily parking on stays through June 30th with the promo code: PRIDE. Guests will also have the chance to donate to the South Bay LGBTQ Center, showing continuous support. terranea.com
Bubble Spectacular
Beverly Center will honor the LGBTQ community by lighting up the building exterior with PRIDE-inspired, rainbow colors every night in June. This features the launch of the Bubble Spectacular, where a sea of rainbow bubbles will float into the skylight every Saturday and Sunday. The Beverly Center will also be collecting funds to donate to key LGBTQ organizations including Trans Youth Equality Foundation. beverlycenter.com
Hope in a Box & Born This Way Foundation National Storytelling Contest
To celebrate LGBTQ-inclusive literature, these nonprofits teamed up to invite students from across the country to share how LGBTQ stories have inspired them. Local 11th-grade student, Alexandra Paolucci, from Palos Verdes Peninsula High School has been chosen as one of the winners. Her inspiring story talks about the importance of LGBTQ literature to teens like herself and is available to read at Born This Way Foundation’s storytelling platform. changekindness.org
Pride Story Creation Zones
Join Creation Zone to share Pride stories that will feature a cast of talented LGBTQIA+ Story Pirates. Takes place on Friday, June 25th at 4pm PT on Zoom. The creativity never has to end in this fun, special event that celebrates the closing of Pride Month. Free, zoom.us
SaMo Pride Art Walk
Santa Monica is excited to announce the “Rainbow Road Art Walk” which will be on display June 4 – 30. Curated in partnership with Allies in Arts, the rainbow-lit art walk exclusively features the creations of local LGBTQ visual artists, with a dynamic collection of murals, photo installations, interactive and multimedia works. smpride.com
How Life Is: Queer Youth Animated
View a special 10-episode short film series to celebrate Pride Month and amplify the stories of LGBTQ youth and allies. The films cover the challenges these kids navigate such as coming out, blended families, relationships, peer acceptance, homophobia, parity and more. Episodes are already streaming on YouTube and IGTV, with new ones released every Tuesday throughout June. youtube.com
Cedars-Sinai Pediatric, Adolescent Gender Wellness Clinic
Just in time for Pride Month, Cedars-Sinai has opened a clinic for children and adolescents under age 18 who are experiencing gender dysphoria. The clinic is run by Paria Hassouri, MD, who is a pediatrician specializing in gender wellness. As a parent to a transgender child, Dr. Hassouri wants to ensure everyone can receive the proper care. Please visit the link for more information and for helpful tips for parents to learn how to best support their children. cedars-sinai.org
The Happy Planner
Celebrate Pride with this special edition collection from The Happy Planner. Features a 12-month planner, stickers and bookmarks (all sold separately), to encourage everyone to stay true to themselves and choose love. 25% of net profits from this capsule will go to The Out Foundation and NQTTCN, which focus on mental and physical health for the LGBTQ community. thehappyplanner.com
Please visit the L.A. Parent Calendar for more information on these events.
